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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jahrome Hughes lifts lid on Melbourne Storm future after links to huge Perth Bears move
Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes has doubled down on his desire to remain at the club with speculation the Perth Bears would be keen to make him a marquee signing in 2027. Hughes is off contract at the end of next year having signed a deal through to 2026, which is similar to teammate Ryan Papenhuyzen. There has been plenty made about what clubs would be interested in Hughes if he enters the market with the Perth Bears circling for a marquee signing to join the club. With new coach Mal Meninga appointed, there were talks either Papenhuyzen or Hughes could become the first $2 million NRL player with the club needing to make a statement. Hughes has been a huge part of the Storm's success in recent years and his deal ending before 2027 has left plenty up for speculation. Coach Craig Bellamy only recently signed on for one more season with no guarantee he will be there after 2026. However, Hughes recently admitted he was keen to remain in Melbourne and he has done so again having hinted a deal could be done soon. "I'm pretty keen to stay where I am and hopefully we can get something done really soon," he said on SEN Radio. "I know there has been chats about going to the market and I know the Perth Bears are coming in the next couple of years, but I love it down here in Melbourne." Hughes' latest comments are a blow to the Bears and rival clubs looking at an elite halfback. Hughes has formed a dangerous partnership with Cameron Munster, Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant in the Storm spine. Earlier this year, Hughes also hinted at his desire to stay in Melbourne, but was waiting on talks to develop. 'I haven't looked too far ahead with that sort of stuff,' Hughes said when his future was put to him. 'I think my name's probably only up there because I'm off contract around that same time. 'I haven't really thought about it, and if I have it my way then I'll be here forever, so I might have to talk to 'J-Rod' about that. I don't really know what Perth's like. I heard it's a nice place, but I haven't thought about it at all.' Ryan Papenhuyzen focused on winning NRL premiership Another player that has been linked to a number of clubs is Papenhuyzen. He has also been linked to the northern hemisphere rugby union competition R360. Papenhuyzen has been made aware of the reports and admitted most players would "have to consider" the huge money thrown at them. While the money was eye-opening, the Melbourne fullback remained coy on whether it was of interest of him to make a switch to rugby union. Instead he said he wasn't looking any further than aiming to win back-to-back competitions with the Storm. "I've just got a big focus for winning the premiership and hopefully going back-to-back next year and then we'll see, but you always look forward to your future and see what's happening," he said. "I'm sure my manager is doing a good job with that and has got it all under control."
The Advertiser
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
'A huge lure': key reason Smith wants Australia job
Cameron Smith never played on an Ashes tour, which is another reason why the prospect of coaching Australia has such a strong appeal to him. Smith is one of the leading contenders to take over from new Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga as Kangaroos mentor ahead of the first three-Test Ashes tour since 2003. South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, who has been in charge of Australia previously, is also a contender, but for that to happen the ARLC must make a change to the protocol that club coaches are ineligible to guide the Kangaroos. Smith, who played an extraordinary 56 Tests for Australia, spoke about the appeal of being at the helm of the 2025 series in England. "It's huge, isn't it? I grew up watching Ashes tours where Australia would play Great Britain or England," he said. "I never got to play in one, but that's a huge lure to be a part of such a prestigious and historic tour. It hasn't been done for a long, long time - over 20 years - so it would be great to be a part of." While touted as the favourite for the job, Smith said it was too early to count his chickens. "Until I hear anything official from anyone at the NRL or from the commission, I haven't really given it too much thought" he said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about the role as yet. I'm aware that my name has been tossed up as a potential coach. "I do understand though, it's a wonderful opportunity. It's a great privilege to be able to be the coach of our national side, the Kangaroos. I was lucky enough to play for that team many, many times, so it would be a great privilege." If Bennett was to get the job for the Ashes tour, there has been a suggestion that Smith would be an ideal assistant in a "dream team" before taking over ahead of next year's Rugby League World Cup. "I haven't put too much thought into it. As it stands right now, the rules are that club coaches can't be involved," Smith said. "But I'm hearing that they might be discussing that and maybe altering their thoughts on that, which is entirely up to the game and the executives in charge. If that happens, that's great. "Wayne Bennett's a wonderful coach. He's probably one of the greatest coaches to ever coach in our game, so if he ends up being the Kangaroos coach, they'll be in good hands." Cameron Smith never played on an Ashes tour, which is another reason why the prospect of coaching Australia has such a strong appeal to him. Smith is one of the leading contenders to take over from new Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga as Kangaroos mentor ahead of the first three-Test Ashes tour since 2003. South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, who has been in charge of Australia previously, is also a contender, but for that to happen the ARLC must make a change to the protocol that club coaches are ineligible to guide the Kangaroos. Smith, who played an extraordinary 56 Tests for Australia, spoke about the appeal of being at the helm of the 2025 series in England. "It's huge, isn't it? I grew up watching Ashes tours where Australia would play Great Britain or England," he said. "I never got to play in one, but that's a huge lure to be a part of such a prestigious and historic tour. It hasn't been done for a long, long time - over 20 years - so it would be great to be a part of." While touted as the favourite for the job, Smith said it was too early to count his chickens. "Until I hear anything official from anyone at the NRL or from the commission, I haven't really given it too much thought" he said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about the role as yet. I'm aware that my name has been tossed up as a potential coach. "I do understand though, it's a wonderful opportunity. It's a great privilege to be able to be the coach of our national side, the Kangaroos. I was lucky enough to play for that team many, many times, so it would be a great privilege." If Bennett was to get the job for the Ashes tour, there has been a suggestion that Smith would be an ideal assistant in a "dream team" before taking over ahead of next year's Rugby League World Cup. "I haven't put too much thought into it. As it stands right now, the rules are that club coaches can't be involved," Smith said. "But I'm hearing that they might be discussing that and maybe altering their thoughts on that, which is entirely up to the game and the executives in charge. If that happens, that's great. "Wayne Bennett's a wonderful coach. He's probably one of the greatest coaches to ever coach in our game, so if he ends up being the Kangaroos coach, they'll be in good hands." Cameron Smith never played on an Ashes tour, which is another reason why the prospect of coaching Australia has such a strong appeal to him. Smith is one of the leading contenders to take over from new Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga as Kangaroos mentor ahead of the first three-Test Ashes tour since 2003. South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett, who has been in charge of Australia previously, is also a contender, but for that to happen the ARLC must make a change to the protocol that club coaches are ineligible to guide the Kangaroos. Smith, who played an extraordinary 56 Tests for Australia, spoke about the appeal of being at the helm of the 2025 series in England. "It's huge, isn't it? I grew up watching Ashes tours where Australia would play Great Britain or England," he said. "I never got to play in one, but that's a huge lure to be a part of such a prestigious and historic tour. It hasn't been done for a long, long time - over 20 years - so it would be great to be a part of." While touted as the favourite for the job, Smith said it was too early to count his chickens. "Until I hear anything official from anyone at the NRL or from the commission, I haven't really given it too much thought" he said. "I haven't spoken to anyone about the role as yet. I'm aware that my name has been tossed up as a potential coach. "I do understand though, it's a wonderful opportunity. It's a great privilege to be able to be the coach of our national side, the Kangaroos. I was lucky enough to play for that team many, many times, so it would be a great privilege." If Bennett was to get the job for the Ashes tour, there has been a suggestion that Smith would be an ideal assistant in a "dream team" before taking over ahead of next year's Rugby League World Cup. "I haven't put too much thought into it. As it stands right now, the rules are that club coaches can't be involved," Smith said. "But I'm hearing that they might be discussing that and maybe altering their thoughts on that, which is entirely up to the game and the executives in charge. If that happens, that's great. "Wayne Bennett's a wonderful coach. He's probably one of the greatest coaches to ever coach in our game, so if he ends up being the Kangaroos coach, they'll be in good hands."
The Advertiser
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Expansion clubs unlikely to prise star duo from Storm
Melbourne representative stars Harry Grant and Xavier Coates have been touted as prime targets for expansion clubs but the Storm remain favourites to ward off poaching raids. Captain and hooker Grant, along with flying winger Coates, both spoke in Queensland camp about their current club in such a fashion that it dispelled the notion they would be leaving to join Perth Bears or the PNG-based club, who will enter the NRL in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Coates, 24, is an interesting one as he is a PNG Kumul international who was born in Port Moresby. The 19th NRL team, based in the rugby league-mad nation, would have the tryscoring machine at the top of their list of potential recruits. "I don't know how it's going to work to be honest. I know rugby league is a massive sport in PNG, it's the national sport, so getting a massive fan base around them won't be a trouble at all," Coates said. "It would be great to see a lot of players go to PNG and play for them. I don't know the whole gist of starting up an NRL club or anything like that, I am just focused on my time in Melbourne." Coates is off contract at the end of next year but AAP has been told the Storm are determined to keep him after he has become such a standout since his move from Brisbane in 2022. "I am happy with my time in Melbourne so I'm not focusing too far ahead," Coates said when asked if he intended to stay. "They are a great club and they have helped me out so much. They have done a lot for me." Bears coach Mel Meninga is well aware of Grant's class, having coached the 2022 World Cup winner previously for Australia. The Test rake is also off contract at the end of next year and the Storm are determined to ensure the 27-year-old goes nowhere. Grant said he was in no rush to get a deal done, with the Origin decider days away, but he has a strong relationship with all the movers and shakers at the club. "I haven't had those conversations too much yet. (Origin) is a period we have got to navigate," Grant said. "I wanted to get through the chunk of the season. We have good owners down at Melbourne, a good board, CEO and recruitment team that I have a good relationship with. "They are pretty comfortable with the conversations when they take place. "The Storm are such a good club with so many good people in it that it's a good environment to be in. "The longer you are in those environments the happier you are and the better footy you play." Melbourne representative stars Harry Grant and Xavier Coates have been touted as prime targets for expansion clubs but the Storm remain favourites to ward off poaching raids. Captain and hooker Grant, along with flying winger Coates, both spoke in Queensland camp about their current club in such a fashion that it dispelled the notion they would be leaving to join Perth Bears or the PNG-based club, who will enter the NRL in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Coates, 24, is an interesting one as he is a PNG Kumul international who was born in Port Moresby. The 19th NRL team, based in the rugby league-mad nation, would have the tryscoring machine at the top of their list of potential recruits. "I don't know how it's going to work to be honest. I know rugby league is a massive sport in PNG, it's the national sport, so getting a massive fan base around them won't be a trouble at all," Coates said. "It would be great to see a lot of players go to PNG and play for them. I don't know the whole gist of starting up an NRL club or anything like that, I am just focused on my time in Melbourne." Coates is off contract at the end of next year but AAP has been told the Storm are determined to keep him after he has become such a standout since his move from Brisbane in 2022. "I am happy with my time in Melbourne so I'm not focusing too far ahead," Coates said when asked if he intended to stay. "They are a great club and they have helped me out so much. They have done a lot for me." Bears coach Mel Meninga is well aware of Grant's class, having coached the 2022 World Cup winner previously for Australia. The Test rake is also off contract at the end of next year and the Storm are determined to ensure the 27-year-old goes nowhere. Grant said he was in no rush to get a deal done, with the Origin decider days away, but he has a strong relationship with all the movers and shakers at the club. "I haven't had those conversations too much yet. (Origin) is a period we have got to navigate," Grant said. "I wanted to get through the chunk of the season. We have good owners down at Melbourne, a good board, CEO and recruitment team that I have a good relationship with. "They are pretty comfortable with the conversations when they take place. "The Storm are such a good club with so many good people in it that it's a good environment to be in. "The longer you are in those environments the happier you are and the better footy you play." Melbourne representative stars Harry Grant and Xavier Coates have been touted as prime targets for expansion clubs but the Storm remain favourites to ward off poaching raids. Captain and hooker Grant, along with flying winger Coates, both spoke in Queensland camp about their current club in such a fashion that it dispelled the notion they would be leaving to join Perth Bears or the PNG-based club, who will enter the NRL in 2027 and 2028 respectively. Coates, 24, is an interesting one as he is a PNG Kumul international who was born in Port Moresby. The 19th NRL team, based in the rugby league-mad nation, would have the tryscoring machine at the top of their list of potential recruits. "I don't know how it's going to work to be honest. I know rugby league is a massive sport in PNG, it's the national sport, so getting a massive fan base around them won't be a trouble at all," Coates said. "It would be great to see a lot of players go to PNG and play for them. I don't know the whole gist of starting up an NRL club or anything like that, I am just focused on my time in Melbourne." Coates is off contract at the end of next year but AAP has been told the Storm are determined to keep him after he has become such a standout since his move from Brisbane in 2022. "I am happy with my time in Melbourne so I'm not focusing too far ahead," Coates said when asked if he intended to stay. "They are a great club and they have helped me out so much. They have done a lot for me." Bears coach Mel Meninga is well aware of Grant's class, having coached the 2022 World Cup winner previously for Australia. The Test rake is also off contract at the end of next year and the Storm are determined to ensure the 27-year-old goes nowhere. Grant said he was in no rush to get a deal done, with the Origin decider days away, but he has a strong relationship with all the movers and shakers at the club. "I haven't had those conversations too much yet. (Origin) is a period we have got to navigate," Grant said. "I wanted to get through the chunk of the season. We have good owners down at Melbourne, a good board, CEO and recruitment team that I have a good relationship with. "They are pretty comfortable with the conversations when they take place. "The Storm are such a good club with so many good people in it that it's a good environment to be in. "The longer you are in those environments the happier you are and the better footy you play."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Meninga snares key figure from Titans to join Panthers premiership-winner in Perth
Mal Meninga has reportedly poached the Gold Coast Titans' long-time NRL recruitment manager to join him at the Perth Bears - a move that could pave the way for a play at superstar forwards Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita. The Titans announced on Wednesday that Ezra Howe has left his role as the club's recruitment guru after seven years. He's reportedly set to join Meninga in Perth after they worked together at the Titans when Meninga was the club's high performance and culture consultant. Howe was responsible for helping convince Fa'asuamaleaui and Fifita to join the Titans from Melbourne and Brisbane respectively. The Queensland State of Origin forwards are both off contract at the end of 2026, which coincides with the Bears entering the NRL in 2027. With Howe now at the Bears, it could be a huge advantage if the Perth team makes a play for Fa'asuamaleaui and Fifita like expected. The Titans confirmed Howe's immediate departure on Wednesday, saying in a statement: 'The Titans can confirm that long-term recruitment manager Ezra Howe has finished in the role he's held for the past seven seasons. Howe joined the Titans in 2019 and has made a significant contribution to the club. Aside from the recruitment role, he's also helped develop the club's junior elite pathways programs. 'Howe will finish up his duties at the Titans effective immediately. The club wishes Ezra and his family all the best for the future and thank him for the significant contribution he has made over a long period of time on the Gold Coast. His replacement will be announced in due course.' Howe will be another key piece in Meninga's coaching and recruitment team in Perth after he recently signed Ben Gardiner from the Panthers to be his assistant coach. Gardiner is currently head coach of Samoa and an assistant under Ivan Cleary at Penrith, and was part of the Panthers' premiership-winning teams in 2023 and 2024. He previously coached the North Sydney Bears in NSW Cup, and is keen to continue the connection in Perth. "I can't wait to work closely with new people in Western Australia and build a hugely successful team over the next five years as we promote rugby league and grow the game," Gardiner said last month. Meninga added: "I look forward to Ben helping us to build a club and culture which will set the Bears' future on the right path. He has worked with some great clubs and teams, at premiership and representative level, and he also has Bears DNA to add to his prolific experience." RELATED: Gorden Tallis responds after Billy Slater tipped to make sad decision Cameron Smith opens up on family dilemma at heart of coaching call Meanwhile, Meninga has revealed he's eyeing Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston in what would be a huge signing coup. Preston is contracted with Canterbury until the end of 2027, and Meninga views him as a potential leader for the Bears - his junior club. 'He's certainly on my radar, no doubt,' Meninga told . 'He is a great player – I'm a fan of Jacob. And being a Norths junior doubles our interest. Being an ex-Bear is an important link. We are starting fresh but to have that Bears' DNA is a bonus. 'Why wouldn't we look at investing in him down the track? He's got to be off contract, obviously, but there's no reason why we shouldn't. I'd be very keen through our channels to have a chat with his management down the track. We can't just think about 2027, we have to think beyond that as well." Storm superstars Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen (both off contract after 2026) have continually been linked to the Bears, however they've both denied interest. Payne Haas would also be a prime target, while Selwyn Cobbo seems the most likely high-profile signing after he recently inked a one-year deal with the Dolphins for 2026 that makes him a free agent when Perth enters the comp a year later.
The Advertiser
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Smith gets key backing as Australia's next coach
Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role. Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga. With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame. Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level. "His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said. "When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal. "I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done. "There's no better person than Smithy to get the job." Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better. "He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said. "There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him." While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy. "He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said. "Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done. "If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually." Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out. That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster. "He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said. "He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy. "I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him. "Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game." Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role. Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga. With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame. Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level. "His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said. "When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal. "I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done. "There's no better person than Smithy to get the job." Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better. "He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said. "There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him." While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy. "He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said. "Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done. "If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually." Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out. That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster. "He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said. "He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy. "I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him. "Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game." Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role. Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga. With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame. Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level. "His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said. "When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal. "I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done. "There's no better person than Smithy to get the job." Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better. "He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said. "There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him." While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy. "He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said. "Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done. "If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually." Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out. That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster. "He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said. "He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy. "I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him. "Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game."
