- Halfback opened up on the OneSixSeven podcast
Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes has ruled himself out of Queensland selection discussions, revealing he wouldn’t have the passion to play for the Maroons.
The halfback made the candid declaration after changes were made to the Origin eligibility criteria by the NRL.
Speculation had been growing that Hughes would walk into the Queensland team to take on NSW if he were eligible to play.
But the playmaker has confirmed he won’t take part in Australia’s most popular sporting event.
‘I’m not going to play Origin. It doesn’t matter if I’m eligible or not,’ Hughes told the OneSixSeven Podcast he co-hosts with Cameron Munster and Ryan Papenhuyzen.
‘I feel like Origin is such a good game or spectacle because they’re so proud.
Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes (pictured) has ruled himself out of being considered for Queensland selection at Origin level
Hughes has declared he won’t join Melbourne Storm teammate Cameron Munster (pictured with Queensland coach Billy Slater) in playing for the Maroons
‘Like you look at Mun (Munster), you know he’s a proud Queenslander, like he would die for that jersey,’ Hughes added.
‘If I put a Queensland jersey on, I just wouldn’t have that same passion as if I put on a Kiwis Maori jersey, even a Storm jersey.’
The 31-year-old will continue representing New Zealand and is set to play a major role in their tilt at the Rugby League World Cup at the end of the year.
In an added boost for New Zealand’s push, Queensland star Kalyn Ponga is now eligible to represent the side.
The Newcastle Knights fullback committed to representing Queensland instead of New Zealand back in 2018 and thought he’d never pull on the black and white jersey.
But instead, he is now firming as a favourite to be picked for the Kiwis later this year.
Hughes’ announcement comes just weeks before the 2026 NRL season kicks off in Las Vegas.
Ponga’s Newcastle Knights are set to face the North Queensland Cowboys to open the season at Allegiant Stadium.
