Hughes earned the 2024 Dally M medal and helped New Zealand beat Australia 30-0 in the 2023 Pacific Championships.
He has not played for the Kiwis since: a neck injury ruled him out in 2024, while shoulder surgery sidelined him from their 2025 Pacific Championships win.
His World Cup opener is against Australia, after New Zealand's 16-14 semi-final defeat in 2022.
"I take a lot of blame for losing that game," Hughes said.
Hughes said the jersey remained a childhood dream: "I've dreamed of putting these colours on since I was a young kid."
New Zealand last lifted the World Cup 18 years ago; Australia has won the past three tournaments.
Hughes hopes a title can build on the Warriors' success and inspire children and supporters as the game grows in New Zealand.
"For us to win it, it would be really special, not just for us players but for the whole country."