LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Jahrome Hughes has revealed that his decision to decline a lucrative offer and remain with the Melbourne Storm was heavily influenced by his family, especially his wife, Molly.
He recently signed a four-year extension with the Storm, ending speculation about a potential lucrative move to the new NRL franchises, the Perth Bears or Papua New Guinea.
The Dally M Medallist was linked to the Bears, with coach Mal Meninga looking to attract high-profile talent.
While he could have reportedly earned nearly $2 million per season with a switch, Hughes, 30, emphasized that financial considerations were not his primary motivation.
Instead, he accepted a deal estimated closer to $1 million annually, prioritizing loyalty to the Storm and the pursuit of a championship.
In addition to career aspirations, Hughes and Molly are expecting their first child later this year.
They have established a happy life in Melbourne, leading Hughes to express that their happiness there far outweighed any financial incentives that would require relocation.
He stated, "I think the thing for me is just where I'm going to be happy.
Myself and my wife, we are having a kid at the end of the year.
You don't want to be going somewhere for money and not enjoying your life.
It was the value of my happiness and my family's happiness."
Hughes, currently facing a shoulder injury, believes that staying with the Storm gives him the best opportunity to win another grand final.
He reflected on Melbourne's consistent success, indicating, "You look at the football side of things, the dream is to chase premierships and I think Melbourne's in a good window for that and has always been ever since I've been here, and even before I came here.
I looked at those sorts of things as factors in the contract."
In summary, Hughes's commitment to the Storm underlines his values of family happiness and long-term success over immediate financial gain, highlighting the importance of both professional ambition and personal fulfillment in his decision-making process.