LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a twist that almost felt like a last-minute try saving tackle, Jahrome Hughes narrowly avoided being robbed of the Dally M medal as NRL fans vented their frustrations over a controversial detail.
The Melbourne Storm halfback outshone James Tedesco by just one point in a thrilling finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Hughes, who was the hot favorite to clinch the prestigious medal, had a stellar season that propelled the Storm to the minor premiership and secured them a spot in the grand final.
Despite his dominance on the field, the final count came down to the wire, with Hughes needing to receive six votes in the last round to secure victory over rival Tedesco.
However, the drama didn't end there.
In a turn of events that felt like a sin binning for an innocent high tackle, Hughes was docked six points due to a controversial suspension he received earlier in the season.
This deduction, stemming from a collision with referee Chris Butler in Round 2, almost cost him the coveted award.
Despite the outcry from the rugby league community over the seemingly unjust suspension, Hughes managed to emerge victorious by the skin of his teeth.
While the one-point difference in the final tally may suggest a close race, in reality, Hughes should have won by a larger margin.
But, as is often the case in the world of sport, the right man prevailed in the end.
Hughes' resilience in the face of adversity and his exceptional skill on the field ultimately led him to claim the Dally M medal, solidifying his place as one of the brightest stars in the NRL.