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Johnson answers Kiwis SOS to replace injured Hughes for Pacific Championships
SENZ • October 10th, 2024 1:33 pm
The NZ Kiwis have been dealt a cruel injury blow ahead of the Pacific Championships, with Dally M medallist Jahrome Hughes ruled out of the series.
The Melbourne Storm superstar was named as part of Stacey Jones' squad earlier this week, just a couple of days after his side fell to the Penrith Panthers in the NRL Grand Final.
A neck injury cast some doubt over his availability but it was hoped he'd recover n time for the opening match against Australia in Christchurch on October 17. However, further medical assessment deemed him unfit to play.
In his absence, Shaun Johnson will end his shortlived retirement to answer the call from Jones and step in as Hughes' replacement.
“Jahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him,” said Jones.
“He has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again.
“He was desperate to play and we thought, with some time on our side, he would come right with treatment but he has since received medical advice that he won’t be ready to play.”
Jones said Johnson - who last played for the Kiwis in 2019 - would add a huge amount to his squad.
“On top of all the other withdrawals it was a big setback to lose Jahrome but that has now turned into a real positive with Shaun deciding to step in,” he said.
“He originally said he wouldn’t be available after announcing his retirement from the NRL but, with Jahrome being ruled out, Shaun didn’t hesitate when asked to help out his country.
“He’ll bring so much to the camp through his presence together with his experience and his leadership.”
Apart from Hughes the Kiwis are missing six other leading spine options in Dylan Brown (knee), Kieran Foran (ankle), Te Maire Martin (neck), Brandon Smith (knee) and Jeremy Marshall-King (knee) as well as the versatile Joseph Manu, who has switched to rugby union.
