LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Jahrome Hughes, the star halfback of the Melbourne Storm, is pulling away from the pack in Zero Tackle's NRL MVP race, edging closer to claiming the overall victory.
The race, which has been tight throughout the season, was blown wide open over the weekend as Hughes extended his lead by 12 votes, now standing at a commanding 15.
In Melbourne's dominant win over the Dolphins on Saturday, Hughes racked up an impressive 19 votes, while James Tedesco, holding onto second place, only managed to secure seven votes as the Sydney Roosters triumphed over the Gold Coast Titans.
Scott Drinkwater remains in third place, a solid 20 votes ahead of Tom Trbojevic in fourth, but still trailing Hughes by 30 votes after a bye week.
Trbojevic, with 17 votes, Jacob Kiraz with 10 votes, and Isaah Yeo with 15 votes also made their mark in the top ten or made moves to climb up the ladder.
Addin Fonua-Blake, Patrick Carrigan, and Ryan Papenhuyzen all tallied up healthy votes to bring them within striking distance of the top ten.
Hughes is now on the verge of being crowned as the NRL MVP champion, showing great form and determination as he races towards the finish line.
With rivals hot on his heels and the competition heating up, Hughes is set to write his name in the annals of Rugby League history with a strong finish to the season.