Kiwis international Jahrome Hughes has rejected a lucrative offer from NZ Warriors to ink a new deal with Melbourne Storm.
The fullback-turned halfback will remain in Victoria until at least the end of the 2024 season, ending speculation he would join the Warriors as a replacement for captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
The Storm had to fend off several other offers for the talented playmaker, but according to NRL.com, Hughes made his decision on Wednesday.
The official announcement was made by the Storm at their season launch on Wednesday night.
The Warriors reportedly chased Hughes aggressively, tabling a huge three-year deal worth more than NZ$2 million over three years.
"Having Jahrome re-sign with us today is a real boost for Storm, as we head into the new season," says Storm football manager Frank Ponissi.
"His switch from fullback to halfback has proved to be an outstanding success and we expect there is still plenty of improvement ahead of him."
Hughes is keen to establish himself as one of the best No.7s in the game and with the Warriors' gaping hole at fullback in 2022, they may have steered him towards filling Tuivasa-Sheck's boots instead.
The Warriors now turn their recruitment attention elsewhere with at least NZ$1 million to play with for next season.
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