Tuesday 27 October 2026Tue 27 Oct
headline.nz

Jahrome Hughes seeks redemption at Rugby League World Cup

1NewsRNZMonday 12 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated

In this story Kangaroos

Photo: 1News (opens in new tab)

Halfback Jahrome Hughes is using the memory of New Zealand's 2022 semi-final loss to Australia as motivation for this year's tournament. The player expressed a desire to move past the heartbreak of that previous exit.

Key facts

4 facts
  • Jahrome Hughes is a 31-year-old Kiwis halfback/five-eighth.1NewsRNZ
  • Hughes missed the 2024 national squad due to a neck injury and the 2025 Pacific Championships due to shoulder surgery.1News
  • New Zealand won the Rugby League World Cup in 2008.RNZ
  • Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai have joined the Kiwis squad under new eligibility laws.RNZ

The full story

1 min read · 2 outlets

Halfback Jahrome Hughes has returned to the Kiwis squad for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The 31-year-old playmaker has missed the last two national campaigns due to a neck injury and shoulder surgery.1NewsRNZ

Hughes expressed a desire to redeem himself following New Zealand's 16-14 semi-final loss to Australia in the 2022 World Cup. He said, "I take a lot of blame for losing that game".1News

The squad features new additions Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai, who were cleared to play for New Zealand under updated international eligibility laws. Hughes noted that the inclusion of these players has lifted the team.RNZ

This tournament marks the first time Hughes will play under coach Stacey Jones. The Kiwis are looking to emulate their 2008 World Cup victory, which occurred 18 years ago.1NewsRNZ

Where reports differ

  • One report identifies Hughes as a halfback while another identifies him as a five-eighth.1NewsRNZ

Compiled from reports by 1News and RNZ.

How they headlined it

First reported by 1News, Mon 12 Oct, 12:40pm · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 2 hours
  1. 1News1News

    Jahrome Hughes chasing redemption for Kiwis at World Cup (opens in new tab)

  2. RNZRNZ

    Rugby league: Returning Hughes inspired by '08 World Cup win (opens in new tab)

More on Rugby League World Cup 2026 Kiwis

The story so far →