Ponissi confirms star storm duo a chance to return

The Melbourne Storm are preparing to have Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen return for their preliminary final on Friday week.

The Storm will play a preliminary final against the winner of this weekend’s Sharks v Raiders clash, and are hoping to be bolstered by the inclusions of Hughes and Papenhuyzen.

Hughes fractured his forearm in the Storm’s Round 27 clash with the Brisbane Broncos and was in doubt to return in 2025, even if Melbourne qualified for the grand final.

Ryan Papenhuyzen was also injured in that match, sustaining a concussion that ruled him out of the Storm’s qualifying final against the Bulldogs, which they won 26-18.

Melbourne Storm GM Frank Ponissi confirmed the star duo are both chances to return for the prelim.

“We had a couple of big outs for the first final in Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes that were both out injured,” Ponissi told SEN.

“Ryan's got to get through his HIA protocols, so he's looking good at the moment.

“Jahrome Hughes is coming back from having a plate inserted in his arm in the last game, so he could be a fantastic addition for the prelim.

“He's still got a bit of work to do, but he's a chance of playing as well.

“So they're two huge ins for our team in the prelim.”

The game marks the Storm’s 10th prelim in 11 seasons, an incredible achievement showcasing their sustained success.