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Shaun Johnson in staggering backflip as Jahrome Hughes withdrawal adds to ugly NRL farce

The Storm halfback has joined a growing list of NRL stars who won't be playing for their countries.

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read

Shaun Johnson has stunned fans having come out of early retirement to play for New Zealand after Jahrome Hughes became the latest big-name star to pull out of representing his country. It came to light on Tuesday that Hughes had played with a painful neck injury in the NRL grand final, which went some way to explaining the Dally M medallist's quiet performance.

The New Zealand Kiwis had initially believed the injury would heal in time for the Pacific Championships later this month, and Hughes was named in their squad. But officials announced on Thursday that the star halfback has now been ruled out.

New Zealand sent a message to long-time halfback Johnson with injuries leaving their halves options limited. And despite announcing his retirement from the NRL at the end of the season, New Zealand confirmed Johnson would play his final two games of rugby league wearing the No.7 jersey for his nation.

Jahrome Hughes, Nathan Cleary and Stephen Crichton.
Jahrome Hughes and Nathan Cleary are both out injured, while Stephen Crichton is getting married. Image: Getty

Unfortunately for Hughes, he was ruled out having failed to recover from the NRL grand final. They said in a statement: "Initial medical checks deemed that Jahrome's injury would settle in time for the Pacific Championships. However, further testing has found that won't be the case."

While New Zealand fans were keen to see the Dally M winner go up against the Kangaroos after the season, they have been treated with Johnson's return. And fans couldn't get enough of Johnson's willingness to answer the call for his nation.

Hughes has joined a cavalcade of players set to miss the Pacific Championships and upcoming Test matches, robbing the international events of some serious star power. Nathan Cleary won't play due to his shoulder injury which requires surgery, while Panthers teammate Liam Martin was also withdrawn from the Kangaroos squad on Wednesday due to a rib issue.

Hughes' Melbourne teammate Cameron Munster is also unavailable for the Kangaroos due to impending hip surgery, while a host of players aren't available for Samoa's tour of England. Junior Paulo, Tommy Talau, Murray Taulagi, Heilum Luki (all injured), Spencer Leniu and Stefano Utoikamanu (both personal reasons) all won't be playing for Samoa, and neither will Brian To'o (injured) or Stephen Crichton (wedding).

Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster.
Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster won't be playing for New Zealand or Australia respectively. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Kalyn Ponga had tried to withdraw himself from contention for the Kangaroos, before he was later made to backflip because he didn't have a valid reason. However Mal Meninga overlooked him anyway, making a complete mockery of the whole situation.

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The growing list of players who won't be featuring has led to questions about how relevant international matches are outside of the World Cup. There's no questioning the likes of Hughes and Cleary over their injuries, but players would undoubtedly be pushing through the pain barrier for NRL or State of Origin games.

Prime Minister's XIII coach Brad Fittler, who has lost Hudson Young due to his call-up to the Kangaroos squad to replace Martin, said on Wednesday: "You always have to be flexible around this time of year, it's a long season.

"It's the nature of the game but they're still very keen to represent. It's one of those topics, 'Where does rep footy sit in the game?'. I think it (PM XIII) is a great concept and it'll last forever and get better and better."

There's been suggestions that representing your country in rugby league isn't the pinnacle of the sport, and it's clear that some players view it as a burden rather than an honour. Outside of a World Cup year, most players prioritise off-season surgery over international matches so they can prepare for the next NRL season better.

However there are some players who still hold a burning desire to represent their countries. Tom Trbojevic (shoulder) and Dylan Edwards (knee) will play through injuries to represent Australia, while Jarome Luai's arrival at the Wests Tigers will be delayed while he captains Samoa in England. Fans have taken to social media to decry the state of the international game, with Hughes' withdrawal only adding more frustration.