Latest news with #CraigBellamy
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Andrew Johns singles out Craig Bellamy's call as Storm look to solve halves drama
NRL legend Andrew Johns feels Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy should have gone with Jonah Pezet in the No.7 jersey against the Eels after Jahrome Hughes' injury. Bellamy is facing a tough call heading into the backend of the regular season after star halfback Hughes dislocated his shoulder in his side's win over the Roosters last Thursday, which will rule him out for an estimated six weeks. Questions are being asked if the Storm can win the competition without Hughes with his return timeframe in doubt. While the Storm welcome back Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen to the fold, the loss of Hughes is huge. The Storm have lost four of their last five games when Hughes has been absent since 2024. Tyran Wishart has filled in at halfback for four of those five games. And Bellamy has selected Wishart to step back into the No.7 jersey against the Eels on Thursday, despite some calls for Pezet to get the role. Pezet is touted as a future star of the NRL, despite the 22-year-old biding his time behind Hughes and Munster in recent years. Hughes' contract extension also allows Pezet to negotiate with other clubs thanks to a clause in his deal with the Storm. And Johns feels this is the right time to select Pezet and give him the reins. Pezet has never had an extended run in the starting XIII and Johns feels Bellamy may have missed a beat in turning to Wishart. "Now Jonah Pezet's on the bench in 14, I'd actually give Jonah (the start). He's had an apprenticeship for three or four years, put him in, it's his time," he said on the Channel Nine show Freddy and the Eighth. Wishart has been a brilliant utility under Bellamy's reign having filled in across the park for the Storm. Pezet has only made 12 appearances across the last three years at the Storm and fans are waiting to see more of the youngster considering a number of teams were keen on signing him. Pezet has shown glimpses of his brilliance and will be given another chance to do so off the bench against the Parramatta Eels, even though Johns feels he should be starting. And with the news this weeks Hughes will be staying around until the end of 2030, Pezet can reportedly now negotiate with other clubs. Jonah Pezet stuck behind Hughes and Munster Pezet recently re-signed with the Storm until the end of 2029, but has an agreement that he could leave if Hughes extended his contract. Hughes re-signing has seemingly signalled the end of Pezet's time in Melbourne, but the Munster situation could change that dramatically. If Munster were to leave after his current deal, Pezet might opt to stay around and bide his time. RELATED: Wayne Bennett and Rabbitohs set for fresh NRL blow as player seeks exit Roosters set for swift James Tedesco play as Kalyn Ponga links continue Panthers great Greg Alexander suggested on SEN Radio that Pezet will surely look for a new deal elsewhere after Hughes' contract extension, and reporter David Riccio claimed the young playmaker can do just that. "I would think so, I really do. There are clauses in his contract that allow him to manoeuvre and have a look around on the basis if Jahrome Hughes re-signs at the footy club...I think that will eventuate for sure," Riccio said.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Makes no sense': NRL facing fresh scrutiny as Storm's run home raises eyebrows
The controversial NRL draw has once again been questioned with calls for change going forward with the Melbourne Storm's run home raising eyebrows. The Storm are currently sitting third on the ladder and four points of leaders the Canberra Raiders. A hard-fought win over the Roosters last Thursday kept their hopes of a minor premiership alive and Craig Bellamy will be looking at the fixtures with a number of tough games coming up against the Bulldogs and Panthers. However, their draw has been questioned with the Storm afforded a nice buffer between games heading into the NRL finals. SEN Radio host Matt White was critical of the final six rounds of the regular season and questioned how a team can only receive Thursday and Friday night games across such an extended run. The Storm will benefit from six or seven day turnarounds as they hunt the minor premiership. This means the Storm can find a consistent preparation and recovery routine each week, which will benefit the side. And White said a change for the draw needs to be looked at for the 2026 season with the fixtures and byes during the State of Origin series appearing to impact certain teams more than others. "Can someone explain the draw. The answer is no. I can't," White said. "I didn't even notice the Storm will play all of their final six matches on either a Thursday night, or a Friday no weekend footy for the Melbourne Storm in the run home. In the last weeks of the premiership - if you include last week just gone - the Melbourne Storm will have played the Roosters and the Broncos twice within seven rounds. It just makes absolutely no sense at certainly has got to be looked at. The confusing inconsistency is crazy." The Storm still have the Panthers and Bulldogs coming up in their fixtures. This would suggest the broadcasters want the top of the table games in prime time slots to maximise their audience. But on Thursday morning, NRL great Greg Alexander also acknowledged the draw has become a constant issue for fans watching the game. "The questions about the draw, you may as well talk to a brick wall. I have no all over the shop," Alexander said on SEN Radio when replying to a question from a listener about the Storm's run of Thursday night games. NRL commentator Voss added: "How can they not come up with a system where every team plays each other once, before anyone plays someone else the run of Thursday nights?" Alexander said the Storm will benefit from the consistency of the draw heading towards NRL finals. This also isn't the first time there has been question marks raised over the draw this year. Calls for standalone State of Origin series Earlier this year, the draw came under intense scrutiny during the State of Origin series. A number of teams were missing a host of players throughout the series, but were not afforded a bye. As well as not being allowed to play NSW or Queensland players the weekend before an Origin game, clubs are often forced to make difficult decisions for the games that follow. Ivan Cleary had to make that call with his representative players. The Panthers were unable to have their five NSW players back up in Round 16 to take on the Warriors because of the short turnaround in New Zealand. The Warriors only had two Origin representatives across the whole series, while the Tigers had just one but both teams were afforded two byes during the Origin period. Fans are becoming frustrated with the 'inconsistency' with the draw with calls for change in 2026.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Round 22 team lists: Storm get Ryan Papenhuyzen back as the Broncos axe their wingers and recall a forgotten star
Ryan Papenhuyzen will play his first game in more than a month after he was cleared to return from a calf injury, with the flashy fullback featuring in a new-look Storm spine that sees Tyran Wishart replace Jahrome Hughes. Hughes will likely miss the rest of the regular season after he dislocated his left shoulder last week, with Storm coach Craig Bellamy turning to Wishart and his running game to partner the returning Cameron Munster in the halves. Youngster Jonah Pezet was in the mix to play halfback but will come off the bench instead, with Tui Kamikamica named at lock in place of Maroons representative Trent Loiero who has been rested. Broncos coach Michael Maguire has made a double change on the wing in the wake of his side's shock loss to the Eels, with Selwyn Cobbo and Deine Mariner replacing Jesse Arthars and Josiah Karapani. Cobbo is off to the Dolphins next year but has the chance to earn a starting spot for the finals after falling out of favour. They face a South Sydney side that has named Jack Wighton ahead of his judiciary appearance, with Englishman Lewis Dodd dropped to the reserves but expected to partner Jamie Humphreys in the halves if Wighton is banned. The Roosters have received a double boost with Hugo Savala returning from a wrist injury alongside centre Billy Smith who has passed concussion protocols, while Victor Radley has been listed in the reserves and could return early from injury. The Sea Eagles have named Corey Waddell to replace the injured Haumole Olakau'atu who won't play again this year, while Tommy Talau has forced his way onto the bench. Both the Tigers and Bulldogs have made changes at fullback, with Jahream Bula returning from a hamstring injury, while the blue and whites have turned to Jacob Kiraz with Connor Tracey set to be sidelined for up to a month. The Dolphins welcome back three key men as the race for the finals heats up, with Kodi Nikorima, Felise Kaufusi and Mark Nicholls all set to travel to New Zealand to take on the Warriors who have lost three stars. Skipper James Fisher-Harris will miss two games with a calf complaint, Wayde Egan is in concussion protocols and Chanel Harris-Tavita also has a calf issue, with Te Maire Martin to take his place in the halves.
The Australian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Australian
NRL; Storm star Jahrome Hughes signs monster deal until 2030
Melbourne Storm has kept star playmaker Jahrome Hughes out of the reach of the NRL's new Perth franchise by re-signing him until the end of 2030. Hughes, 30, who suffered a serious shoulder injury last Thursday night but is expected to be back for the finals, said he was determined for 'more success' in Melbourne. Already contracted through to the end of 2026, the reigning 2024 Dally M Player of the Year has made the long-term commitment and looms as a Storm player for life. 'This group of players, coaches, and staff is incredibly special, and I'm determined to achieve more success in the purple jersey. I'm excited for what lies ahead and the memories still to come,' he said. 'I'm delighted to extend my contract with Storm for another four years. I absolutely love this club, it's become a second family to me, and Melbourne feels like home. Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski welcomed the news. 'We're thrilled to have Jahrome locked in until 2030. He's become a true leader and continues to perform at the highest level. Jahrome embodies everything it means to be a Storm player, hardworking, humble, and team first. 'His influence both on and off the field is invaluable, and we're excited to see him continue his journey with us.' Hughes has played 165 Storm games as well as 10 Tests for New Zealand and has thrived in the No.7 jersey under the guidance of coach Craig Bellamy. NewsWire Claims about Donald Trump's involvement in Australia's US beef deal have sparked criticism, with Karl Stefanovic labelling the arrangement a 'dog's breakfast'. NewsWire Both the Albanese government and the opposition have responded to Donald Trump's latest tariff threat.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Melbourne Storm playmaker Jahrome Hughes has re-signed until the end of 2030
Melbourne Storm has kept star playmaker Jahrome Hughes out of the reach of the NRL's new Perth franchise by re-signing him until the end of 2030. Hughes, 30, who suffered a serious shoulder injury last Thursday night but is expected to be back for the finals, said he was determined for 'more success' in Melbourne. Already contracted through to the end of 2026, the reigning 2024 Dally M Player of the Year has made the long-term commitment and looms as a Storm player for life. 'This group of players, coaches, and staff is incredibly special, and I'm determined to achieve more success in the purple jersey. I'm excited for what lies ahead and the memories still to come,' he said. 'I'm delighted to extend my contract with Storm for another four years. I absolutely love this Club, it's become a second family to me, and Melbourne feels like home. Made for Melbourne. 2030 ðŸ'œ — Melbourne Storm (@storm) July 28, 2025 Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski welcomed the news and said, 'We're thrilled to have Jahrome locked in until 2030. He's become a true leader and continues to perform at the highest level. Jahrome embodies everything it means to be a Storm player, hardworking, humble, and team first. 'His influence both on and off the field is invaluable, and we're excited to see him continue his journey with us.' Hughes has played 165 Storm games as well as 10 Tests for New Zealand, and has thrived in the No.7 jersey under the guidance of coach Craig Bellamy.
