Another big name that could be on the Warriors’ radar is Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes. The Melbourne Storm halfback is contracted until the end of 2026, but it was previously revealed he nearly signed with the Warriors in 2019.
Also born in New Zealand, Hughes had all-but decided to leave the Storm and head home when he couldn’t get regular first-grade time in Melbourne. His manager Tas Barrett said in October after he won the Dally M: “Jahrome felt it was time to go home and the Warriors offered him $1 million, which was big money for a halfback four or five years ago.
“We were all set to go over there with his partner, look at accommodation and facilities and almost certainly sign a contract. But COVID came in and prevented us from making the trip. We had a couple of Zoom chats (with Warriors officials) but it wasn’t the same – and he decided to stay in Melbourne.”