The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) is proud to announce Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes as the winner of the 2024 Players’ Champion individual accolade, as voted by NRL players.
Hughes has had a remarkable 2024 NRL season. The dynamic halfback has played a pivotal role in his Melbourne Storm side becoming Minor Premiers and reaching the 2024 NRL Grand Final.
So far in 2024, Jahrome has scored 12 tries, assisted 26 tries and has 26 line break assists to his name, as well as an average of 115 running metres per game and 21 line breaks from halfback.
Jahrome is tied second in the league for try assists, third for line break assists, fifth for total kick metres, and leads the league in attacking kicks.
“This is a massive honour for me to be voted the Players’ Champion,” said Jahrome Hughes.
“I really hold this in high regard, and I think it is definitely one of the best individual accolades you can get. I’m so honoured to be able to receive it, and just to get the praise from the players that you go against week in, week out.
“For them to vote for this, it is truly massive for myself. I’m super grateful and really honoured to win The Players’ Champion.”
Clint Newton, the CEO of the RLPA, praised Jahrome for winning the 2024 Players’ Champion and becoming the first ever Melbourne Storm player to win the player-voted award.
“On behalf of the RLPA I would like to congratulate Jahrome on winning the 2024 Players’ Champion award,” said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
“Incredibly, Jahrome is the first ever Melbourne Storm player to win the individual Players’ Champion. Considering the phenomenal players that have pulled on the famous purple, it is recognition of not only how hard it is to win this award, but also a testament to the outstanding season Jahrome has had in 2024.”
“This season will go down in memory as the season Jahrome dominated the competition with his outstanding playmaking abilities, relentless kicking and formidable running game. Jahrome is a player people tune in to watch, and this year, he’s given us many memorable moments, which demonstrates that he’s a more than worthy winner of the 2024 Players’ Champion.”
Shaun Johnson, the 2023 Players’ Champion and New Zealand compatriot, congratulated Jahrome on winning the game’s biggest and most prestigious player-voted award.
“Firstly, congrats to my brother Jahrome for being chosen as this year’s Players Champion,” said Shaun Johnson.
“Awards like this are made more special when it’s chosen by the people you battle against week in week out. Jahrome has been by far the best player in our comp all year and deserves this recognition.
“No better feeling then seeing another Kiwi take this award. So again congratulations – keep inspiring!”
2024 Players’ Champion Finalists from the NRL
Angus Crichton
Stephen Crichton
Addin Fonua-Blake
Jahrome Hughes – Winner
James Tedesco
About The Players’ Champion voting:
- The Players’ Champion Contenders’ list is composed of four players from each club who are nominated to be eligible for The Players’ Champion individual award.
- RLPA Delegates put forward three Contenders from their own teams before an RLPA Working Group panel (made up of current and former NRL players) nominates a fourth and final player from each team.
- In total, 68 Contenders are then eligible to receive Players’ Champion votes from their NRL peers in the end-of-season poll.
- Voting is open to all contracted NRL players, with each player voting for opposition Contenders using a 3/2/1 format. Players cannot vote for their teammates.
- Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
- The player with the most number of votes across all teams is awarded The Players’ Champion.
Players’ Champion Winners:
- 2023 Shaun Johnson & Teagan Berry
- 2022 James Tedesco (3) & Raecene McGregor
- 2021 Tom Trbojevic & Emma Tonegato
- 2020 Nathan Cleary & Hannah Southwell
- 2019 James Tedesco (2) & Jessica Sergis
- 2018 Kalyn Ponga & Simaima Taufa
- 2017 James Tedesco (1)
- 2016 Jason Taumalolo
- 2015 Johnathan Thurston (4)
- 2014 Johnathan Thurston (3)
- 2013 Johnathan Thurston (2)
- 2012 Ben Barba
- 2011 Akuila Uate
- 2010 Darius Boyd
- 2009 Jarryd Hayne
- 2008 Braith Anasta & Petero Civoniceva
- 2007 Matt Bowen
- 2006 Ben Kennedy
- 2005 Johnathan Thurston (1)
- 2004 Danny Buderus
