Storm confident on Hughes as Pezet suffers fresh blow
Hughes has been named in the Storm's extended squad for Sunday's round-five trip to face Manly after missing last week's shock loss to St George Illawarra.
The New Zealand international only sustained the injury in the Storm's narrow round-three win over Penrith, but will potentially be available to take on the Sea Eagles.
"Jahrome has progressed quickly from his hand injury," football boss Frank Ponissi told the Storm's website.
"Our medical staff came to us earlier this week and reported that he might be available for Sunday.
"There's still some work to do before that becomes reality.
"Jahrome will need to train with the squad over the next two days and then a selection decision will be made on Saturday morning."
The potential return of the New Zealand international is offset by news rising Storm playmaker Jonah Pezet has suffered a fresh knee injury.
Pezet, 22, is seen as a long-term playmaker for the Storm but missed most of last year with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The luckless halfback will undergo stabilising surgery after failing to finish Saturday's NSW Cup for Storm feeder club North Sydney.
Pezet will miss up to three months of action.
"Jonah played 40 minutes for the Bears and did really well in his first game back in nearly a year," Ponissi said.
"I want to give Jonah a massive wrap for the manner in which he has managed this latest setback.
"He's remained positive throughout and will work hard to get himself back playing."
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