The Melbourne Storm have been the high-water mark of the NRL for the entire 2024 season, displaying completely dominant form throughout the year.
As a result, the team claimed the minor premiership with two games in hand, and look in prime position to claim their fifth title.
Due to their near-unstoppable form, the team has opted to rest the majority of their starting side for their round 26 clash against the North Queensland Cowboys, a move that has divided the NRL community.
While the decision to sideline their top team for the trip up north will no doubt ensure fresher legs as they head into finals, it may come with some unintended consequences; namely, it could rob their halfback Jahrome Hughes of winning the Dally M Medal.
Hughes was tipped by many to take out the NRL's player of the year award, after being the driving force for Melbourne this season in which fellow stars Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen both missed time.
During 19 appearances in 2024, Hughes scored six tries and assisted 23 more, as well as running for an average of 115 metres per game.
Impressively, the team won 17 of the games in which he played, his only losses this year coming against the Sea Eagles in round 12, and the Dragons in round 22.
But by missing round 26, Hughes essentially gives away a round to his competitors, which could see him fall out of the running considering his victory was no sure thing.
Names like James Tedesco and Dylan Edwards have been strong and consistent contributors for their squads throughout the season, while Tom Trbojevic has returned from injury in blistering form for Manly, and could be making his own dark horse run at the award.
When Dally M voting went behind closed doors after round 12, it was the Panthers fullback Edwards that led the tally, followed by Sharks star Nicho Hynes, and Sea Eagle Daly Cherry-Evans.
So has Hughes done enough in the back end of the season to claim the honour, or will the Storms choice to rest their stars cost him the NRL's greatest honour?
