The New Zealand Kiwis have been dealt a massive blow for the 2024 Pacific Championships as they prepare to take on Australia and Tonga.
New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) has confirmed Melbourne Storm halfback and 2024 Dally M Player of the Year Jahrome Hughes has been ruled out of the nation's entire Pacific Championships campaign this month due to a neck injury.
This comes less than a week after he played in the 2024 NRL Grand Final for the Storm and his replacement will be named in the coming days.
However, it is likely the halves combination will be made up Kodi Nikorima (The Dolphins) and Phoenix Crossland (Newcastle Knights) - Charnze Nicoll-Klokstadย (New Zealand Warriors) is another option.
โJahrome is understandably shattered and we really feel for him,โ said coach Stacey Jones in a statement.
โHe has had an outstanding year and he was going to play a key role for the Kiwis again.
โHe 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.โ
New Zealand Squad
Erin Clarkย (Gold Coast Titans)
Phoenix Crosslandย (Newcastle Knights)*
James Fisher-Harrisย (Penrith Panthers)
Peta Hikuย (Hull Kingston Rovers)
Jamayne Isaakoย (The Dolphins)
Keano Kiniย (Gold Coast Titans)*
Casey McLeanย (Penrith Panthers)*
Griffin Neameย (North Queensland Cowboys)
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstadย (New Zealand Warriors)
Kodi Nikorimaย (The Dolphins)
Marata Niukoreย (New Zealand Warriors)
Isaiah Papali'iย (Penrith Panthers)
Jordan Rikiย (Brisbane Broncos)*
Scott Sorensenย (Penrith Panthers)
Joseph Tapineย (Canberra Raiders)
Leo Thompsonย (Newcastle Knights)
Matthew Timokoย (Canberra Raiders)
Trent Toelauย (Penrith Panthers)*
Will Warbrickย (Melbourne Storm)*
Naufahu Whyteย (Sydney Roosters)*
*Denotes debutant.
Fixtures
October 18:ย Australiaย vsย Tongaย at Suncorp Stadium, Queensland
October 27:ย New Zealandย vsย Australiaย at Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
November 2:ย New Zealandย vsย Tongaย at Go Media Stadium, Auckland
November 10: Pacific Championships Grand Final, CommBank Stadium, Sydney
