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Kiwis glory in the back of Jahrome Hughes’ mind
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 31st, 2026 11:26 am
Jahrome Hughes | Photo: Photosport
Star Kiwis and Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes believes New Zealand could be entering one of its strongest eras yet, with great depth creating competition for spots in the national squad.
With the World Cup firmly on his mind, Hughes said the hunger to achieve something special in the black jersey has never left him.
The 31-year-old told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy, “I'd be lying if I said I haven't been thinking about it or having the World Cup in the back of my mind and I've probably had it there since the last world cup, just having that hunger of wanting to do something special for our country.”
Jahrome Hughes celebrates a try for the Kiwis | Photo: Allan McKenzie/Photosport
Hughes also said he's been keeping note of players who could be potentially named in the squad, and is excited for what New Zealand could build.
“I don't watch too much footy, but I've seen possible lineups that we could have for the end of the year and it's really exciting.
“Hopefully Stacey (Jones) picks me but if I'm in the squad there's a lot of confidence around the special things we can do in that Kiwi jersey.”
Kiwis coach Stacey Jones | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
That confidence comes from the strength of the player pool. While Hughes is one of the leading names in the halves conversation, he knows no one can take selection for granted.
“There’s a lot of depth too which is really handy you know no one's guaranteed a spot and you’ve got to be playing well and earning that black jersey and rightfully so.”
The Kiwis’ depth has become especially important following the injury to Dylan Brown, who tore his ACL last week.
“I was quite gutted for Dyl (Dylan Brown) when he got injured, not just because of the Kiwis, but he's been going really well and he's a pivotal part of that Knight's team.”
Dylan Brown | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
But even with Brown unavailable, Hughes believes the Kiwis are well covered in the halves, pointing to a range of players capable of filling the role.
“There's a couple of other options and I think we've got a lot of depth in our halves.
“Kodi (Nikorima) could do a job. I think Te Maire (Martin) with the Warriors has been going well.
“I don't know with Chanel (Harris-Tavita), who he's going to play for, but he's another option as well.”
The depth does not stop in the halves. Hughes also highlighted the talent available for fullbacks, with Kalyn Ponga and Keano Kini among the names adding further quality to the selection mix.
Would Kalyn Ponga walk into the Kiwis starting side? | Scotty & Izzy
“KP (Kalyn Ponga), with him and the talent that Kini’s got as well, there's definitely a different couple of options there so it's a good headache for Stace to have.”
The Kiwis have often relied on a handful of elite players to carry their hopes, but Hughes believes the current group has the sort of competition and coverage that could make New Zealand a serious force.
“I think it's probably the most depth we've had in our squad in a long time, so it's really exciting.”
Listen to the full interview below:
