Jonah Pezet has shown why he is one of the most sort after stars in the NRL with a dominant performance in his side’s gritty 26-18 win over the Bulldogs as question marks remain over his future. This comes as Cameron Smith hinted Jahrome Hughes could be back for the Storm in the preliminary final.
Pezet’s future at the Storm has been a talking point in the backend of the season after Hughes re-signed to stay at the Storm until 2030.. This leaves Pezet stuck behind Cameron Munster and Hughes in the pecking order, despite his talent. And his skills were on full display on Friday night having guided the Storm to a vital 26-18 win over a gutsy Bulldogs outfit.
Jonah Pezet’s (pictured right) future remains in limbo at the Storm, while Cameron Smith (pictured left) hinted Jahrome Hughes is eyeing an early return to finals footy. (Images: Getty Images)
The 22-year-old recorded a try assist in the first-half with a beautiful pass to set-up the four pointer, before assisting two line breaks. He also finished with a 40/20 that helped maintain the momentum for the Storm. And his efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
Pezet’s calmness in a frantic finals footy game impressed Warriors legend Shaun Johnson who claimed the 22-year-old made the difference. “When the play was there to be made, another step to build pressure for Melbourne, Pezet came up with the answer,” Johnson said.
Unfortunately for the Storm, Pezet can invoke a clause in his contract to leave the Storm. Hughes’ contract extension meant Pezet can now chase a regular starting first-grade spot at a rival team if he desires. It would be hard to argue against an exit with the talented 22-year-old chasing more footy with Munster also having two years left on his contract.
But the Melbourne Storm player told AAP he would wait until the end of the season to make a decision on his future. Many might have expected Pezet to get an extended run in the NRL finals with Hughes’ injury.
This would have been a brilliant way to boost his asking price and the display against the Bulldogs would have done just that. There are no shortage of teams seeking a halfback and the Perth Bears would be in a position to throw serious money at the player when they enter the comp in 2027. Although Pezet’s time in the No.7 jersey may be short lived with Melbourne Storm legend Smith hinting during Channel Nine commentary Hughes might be seeking an early return to footy.
Cameron Smith drops return hint for Hughes
Hughes is an automatic selection when fully fit, but has struggled with separate shoulder and forearm injuries in the second-half of the season. His latest injury, a fractured forearm, left fans worried it would rule him out of the entire finals footy series.
Although Smith suggested during commentary the Melbourne Storm staff have not given up on the halfback making a shock return. And Smith said you would have to back the halfback if he is deemed fit enough to take to the field, even though Pezet showed he has the class to guide the team.
“You only get the one shot to get yourself in the grand final. If he is 85-90 per cent fit, I think he will play,” Smith said when asked about Hughes. “I spoke to Craig Bellamy before the game…I asked about Jahrome Hughes. And his first comment was, ‘If we get through tonight I think he is a chance for the prelim.’ So watch this space.”
Jonah Pezet facing call on Melbourne Storm future
Pezet is signed until 2027, but last month admitted the desire of playing weekly footy is attractive. Pezet has played eight games for the Storm in 2025 and didn’t feature for them until round 18.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want to play NRL every week,” Pezet said. “As a kid you grow up and that’s what you want to do. So of course I want to chase those opportunities. But I’m just focused on putting my best foot forward every week, so that’s when Belza (coach Craig Bellamy) picks me in the team.”
Jonah Pezet (pictured) was arguably the best player on the field against the Bulldogs.