Craig Bellamy paid tribute to his midfielder Jahrome Hughes and congratulated his leaders on giving the storm something they hadn’t had since Cameron Smith retired after his victory over Brisbane.
The storm found itself losing 16-6 in the first half and Bellamy admitted his team has struggled when under pressure and has been down since Smith left the team after winning the 2020 Grand Final. .
“Since Cameron Smith retired, we’ve probably struggled a bit with that, but I think we’ve made some real improvements in this area without leaders, obviously starting with Jesse (Bromwich),” Bellamy said.
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“How can they communicate when we are under pressure and when we are in situations to which we may not be accustomed or ideal situations.
“It simply came to our notice then. Our leaders have done a very good job of keeping everyone calm, calm and collected and being very clear about what we need to do next and then move on. ”
One of the brightest leaders and stars of the storm against the Broncos was midfielder Hughes, who had 75 yards, three tackles, a line break, a line break assist, a test assist and two attempts at the end of each part to seal the comeback victory.
Bellamy said he would not trade Hughes for any other migback in the competition and praised his evolution as a game creator over the past two seasons.
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Craig Bellamy praised Jahrome Hughes. Source: FOX SPORTS
“I think everyone knows what I think of him as a football player and especially as a midfielder,” Bellamy said.
“The improvement over the last 18 months has been immense.
“Now I think he is up there with any half of the competition.
“He has played a good game of kicks. He has a great running game.
“He is also confident in his leadership.
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Jahrome Hughes scored two goals against the Broncos. Source: Getty Images
“He’s not a very confident guy. He doesn’t have natural confidence, so for him he has to earn his trust, I guess and for the last two years, he’s certainly done it.
“I think I’ve said before that I wouldn’t change it for any half of the competition.”
Greg Alexander believes Hughes is undervalued because, as a New Zealander, he fails to shine in the Origin Arena.
“At the end of the first half, an attempt by Cameron Munster and an attempt by Jahrome Hughes,” Alexander said.
Storm goal from a clear front pass? | 00:43
“Both players have been great tonight, especially Hughes who scored this try just before the break after opening the Brisbane defense.
“The storm knows how important Hughes is.
“Because we don’t see him in representative football, his star is probably not as bright as he should be.
“It’s a quality number 7. I don’t know if there’s a better number 7 in the game.
“But there are other parts of his game that are undervalued.”