Melbourne Storm veteran Felise Kaufusi has been amazed by the recent transformation of Kiwi Jahrome Hughes and believes the star playmaker is not finished yet as he strives to become a more accomplished player.
Hughes has made the transition from fullback to a premiership-winning halfback in four seasons in Melbourne and has increased his output with each year he has featured in the purple jersey.
The Kiwi's all-around improvement was on display on Sunday night as he led the Storm to a 42-20 victory over the Warriors and Kaufusi was suitably impressed with his efforts.
"He has been outstanding this season and just working with him and playing alongside him, I have seen him grow so much over the years," Kaufusi told pan66.com.
"He started at fullback, but he has now made that No.7 jersey his own."
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Hughes dished off four try assists in the opening half an hour, with Kaufusi the beneficiary of one of the halfback’s bullet passes as he crossed for his second four-pointer of the season.
"He will only get better as he has got so many parts to his game,” Kaufusi said.
"He can run, he can kick, he can pass and he is very dangerous on our edge, so it is pretty scary to think about what he can actually do.
"He is still continuing to get better and I am happy he is on my side and hopefully we can keep those combinations going."
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The Storm now have a short turnaround ahead of their clash with the Sharks on Friday night.
Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will once again miss the clash with his shoulder injury, while in-form winger George Jennings is sidelined as he recovers from the knock he picked up against the Warriors.
Experienced centre Brenko Lee is also on unavailable following his calf injury in the Queensland Cup, leaving Storm coach Craig Bellamy with a shortage of options out wide.
"Five-day turnarounds are always tough, so I am hoping this will be a short week on the track and that most of the guys will be fine to back up,” Kaufusi said.
"Hopefully it is short and sharp on the track, just getting the body right for the next game and then we can keep our momentum going.
"If we keep that grind and keep working hard then hopefully it will lead to something pretty special."
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