Charges against Jahrome Hughes add to Melbourne Storm’s woes

Melbourne faces a possible mid-term crisis with Jahrome Hughes at risk of joining Cameron Munster on the NRL sideline after being charged with late contact.

Hughes is the only player facing a ban for Saturday’s NRL games, with six other players able to get away with a fine.

The Storm halfback earned the wrath of the match review panel for a late shot at fellow Gold Coast player Tanah Boyd after making contact after a kick in his team’s 38-34 loss.

Hughes can accept a one-game ban for the second-class charge or risk missing a second week if he fights it in the judiciary and loses.

Melbourne were hoping Munster could return for Friday’s clash with Wests Tigers after finger surgery with five eights, but his comeback is still very much in doubt.

It means the Storm could be without its two first-choice halves for the first time since mid-2021.

If both are out, Nick Meaney is likely to switch from full-back to rookie Jonah Pezet at half-time.

Sualauvi Faalogo would then be an option to debut in the backline and possibly No.1.

Another possibility would be the Storm pushing Tyran Wishart or Jayden Nikorima into the half alongside Pezet.