Rugby league-Kiwi Hughes wants to make amends for 2022 World Cup heartbreak

Four years after a devastating New Zealand defeat by Australia in the Rugby League World Cup semi-final, halfback Jahrome Hughes remains consumed by a missed opportunity. The Kiwis lost 16-14 in 2022, and Hughes, who scored a try and was instrumental in the team's performance, regrets a speculative grubber kick that squandered a promising attack.

The 32-year-old has not played for his country since the 2023 Pacific Championships final, where he helped New Zealand secure a 30-0 victory over Australia. However, his recent return to the national squad has reignited his passion for representing the Kiwis. Hughes is determined to rectify his 2022 heartbreak, starting with New Zealand's opener against defending champions Australia in Sydney on Thursday.