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Bellamy hopes Hughes signature nets more deals at Storm
Scott Bailey, AAP • July 31st, 2025 8:16 am
Melbourne hope re-signing Jahrome Hughes (l) will help them keep Harry Grant and Cameron Munster | Photo: James Ross/AAP
Craig Bellamy is hopeful Jahrome Hughes' contract extension can help keep the rest of Melbourne's classy spine in place, as the Storm fight to keep their big guns.
Hughes inked a new four-year extension this week that will keep him with Melbourne until the end of 2030, virtually ensuring he will finish his career there.
The Storm also have fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and hooker Harry Grant off contract next year, while rumours swirl around five-eighth Cameron Munster.
Grant is understood to be closing in on an extension with Melbourne, while Papenhuyzen is reported to have met with representatives of proposed global franchise-based rugby union competition Rugby 360.
Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has attracted interest from a global rugby union start up | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
But Bellamy was hopeful he could keep the quartet together, with the potential they would be spurred on by the reigning Dally M Medallist's new deal.
"It would be nice. They have been together a little while now," Bellamy said.
"They're started to combine really well and getting to know each other really well and hopefully they can keep that going and stay together."
Papenhuyzen's future looms as the most interesting, given the interest from the Rugby 360 that has also been linked to Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga.
The Melbourne fullback only signed a one-year extension with the Storm for 2026 last off-season, while there is a mutual option for both parties for 2027.
Even if Papenhuyzen does stay in rugby league, he would almost certainly be a target for the Perth Bears after previously admitting he could see a lure to the new NRL franchise.
Quizzed over the Rugby 360 link on Wednesday, Bellamy said her could see it being a threat to both the Storm and the NRL.
Craig Bellamy is realistic about the potential threat from the proposed rugby competition | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
"Obviously anything if they've got a fair bit of money and they are willing to throw it at people, that is obviously going to be a threat," the veteran coach said.
More immediately, Bellamy has his eyes on the clash with Parramatta on Thursday night as Melbourne begin life without the injured Hughes in the run to the finals.
Munster is back from personal leave to partner utility Tyran Wishart in the halves, with the pair now tasked with helping the Storm climb into the top two to secure two home finals.
Both are considered run-first halves, but Bellamy indicated the organising would largely fall to Munster in Hughes' absence.
"It will be interesting," Bellamy said.
"(Munster and Wishart) are similar, both their strengths are their running games.
"Someone will have to take charge there, but Mun is up for that and I am sure he will look up to the challenge."
The Storm also have Papenhuyzen back after four games on the sideline with a calf injury, but have opted to rest Queensland State of Origin lock Trent Loiero for the CommBank Stadium clash.
