Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has dismissed rumors suggesting he’s eager to depart Melbourne for a Queensland-based club, refuting claims made by Broncos legend Corey Parker. Last month, Parker shared on SEN Radio that he had heard murmurs about Hughes’ desire to relocate back to Queensland due to family reasons.
Hughes, who is currently recovering from a calf injury, committed to a four-year contract with Melbourne in 2022, reportedly valued at over $800,000 annually, tying him to the Storm until 2026. Addressing the speculation, Hughes categorically denied the allegations, branding them as falsehoods.
“They are all lies,” Hughes told AAP. “If I have my way, I will be staying in Melbourne for the rest of my career. That is what I am trying to do, but there is no hurry. I still have two more years after this on my contract.”
Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald indicate that Storm officials are eager to retain Hughes for the duration of his career, with discussions suggesting a potential extension until 2028.
Parker did not specify any particular Queensland team as a potential destination for Hughes but merely alluded to “rumblings” he had heard.
“I’m hearing rumblings that one superstar in the game wants to come home to Queensland and be with the family,” Parker said. “That player is Jahrome Hughes. Whether that’s at the end of his contract or not, that remains to be seen. I know his wife is from the Gold Coast and at this stage, it’s just rumblings that I’m hearing. It remains to be seen if it’s before his term of contract or not, but watch this space.”
