The Melbourne Storm have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their semi-final against the Sydney Roosters with halfback Jahrome Hughes ruled out with calf tightness.
Storm utility Tyran Wishart will replace Hughes at halfback in what will be his first final in a short 28-game career.
The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes the pendulum has swung back to the Roosters’ favour despite the Chooks having their own injury crisis.
“I was running towards a Melbourne Storm victory,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“I was sprinting to the finish line. It was home and hosed for me because I could not envision a Sydney Roosters upset.
“It’s a massive blow and with the greatest amount of respect to Tyran Wishart, this is not the selection the Melbourne Storm would’ve made had they had prior knowledge that Hughes was in doubt.
“You name a 22-man squad with a back-up half and Jonah Pezet would’ve been that man.
“Now with Jahrome Hughes out, it just brings the Roosters back into the contest.
“It’s the worst possible injury at the worst possible time.”
The Storm have a 75 per cent winning percentage when Hughes plays but that dips to 50 per cent when he isn’t on the field.
SEN’s Andrew McCullough agreed that Hughes is a significant loss for the Storm but believes Harry Grant and Cameron Munster will make up for their poor performances against the Broncos in week one of the finals.
“Historically, the Melbourne Storm bounce back after a disappointing game,” McCullough said on SENQ 693.
“There are plenty of injuries for both sides so it will be hard to tip.
“Hughes is a key player but Cameron Munster and Harry Grant said they weren’t happy with their performances individually.
“Those two guys will get it together this week.”
The Storm host the Roosters at AAMI Park on Friday night. The winner will play Penrith in the preliminary final.