Dally M award winner surprised with emotional haka from teammates
The Dally M award ceremony has ended in tears after the coveted award winner was surprised with an impromptu haka from his teammates.
Melbourne Storm player and New Zealand native Jahrome Hughes took home the 2024 Dally M award, and at the end of the broadcast, watched on as his teammate Will Warbrick approached the stage.
Warbrick then began performing the haka with his Storm teammate Eliesa Katoa and Canberra Raiders player Joseph Tapine joining in.
Hughes was left with a tear in his eye as his Kiwi friends honoured his win.
“That meant a lot,” Hughes said after the award ceremony. “To see that brought a tear to my eye. For them to do that is truly special. For myself, my culture and family, it just topped off an awesome night."
“It’s such a surreal feeling. I was nervous, I didn’t come with too much expectations, but when it got down to the wire I was really nervous."
“To win this award is massive for myself. You look at the quality of players were have in the game, to be up there is a real honour. I am very humbled.”
Warbrick said he was inspired to perform the haka for Hughes after witnessing similar scenes at the 2018 Dally M awards and wanted to follow suit.
“I was a bit nervous. I just wanted to show my respect to Jahrome and acknowledge him,” Warbrick said. “We both have Maori culture, that’s what it’s all about."
“It was just off the cuff, I’m glad a couple of boys jumped in with me to make it look better. Jahrome is an integral part of the Kiwis team. It was rightful to acknowledge him by doing the haka for him.”
Image credits: Instagram