Craig Bellamy Provides Concerning Update on Jahrome Hughes

Melbourne Storm's head coach, Craig Bellamy, has revealed that Jahrome Hughes will be sidelined for more than just a week due to a hamstring issue.

The halfback was left out of Melbourne's squad for the upcoming match against the Manly Sea Eagles, prompting the club to announce he sustained a "low grade hamstring strain".

Typically, this type of injury has a recovery window of one to three weeks, but Bellamy indicated that the timeframe may be extended, with expectations he won't compete against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 19.

"He's going to miss a little while. It would be nice if it was only a week. We have a bye next week, so that sort of helps a bit, but I think he will be a bit longer than that," Bellamy stated during a media session following the team's captain's run on Friday morning.

This situation may allow Hughes the possibility of making his return in a crucial match against the Sydney Roosters in Round 20.

Meanwhile, Tyran Wishart is set to don the number seven jersey, and Bellamy is optimistic about his performance.

"Tyran Wishart gets his chance," he remarked. "He sees himself as his best position at halfback; he has played everywhere for us and done a great job, but that's what he sees as his best position so he will get his opportunity."

With limited chances at halfback in the past, Wishart will aim to demonstrate his capability over the upcoming weeks, especially as he prepares to join the Perth Bears for the start of the 2027 season.