Posted: 2024-06-23 19:15:45

The Titans and Tigers score more than 100 points, Souths continue their resurgence, and Jahrome Hughes might be the best player in the NRL.

Here are the biggest talking points from every game of round 16.

1. Hughes makes his case as NRL's top player 

Jahrome Hughes shouldn't be able to fly under the radar. He's a premiership-winning and international halfback and his resume over the last five seasons stands up with any other playmaker in rugby league. 

But somehow, some way, Hughes still isn't getting the wraps he deserves. As we move into the second half of the season, Hughes has a case to being the best player in rugby league this season. The Dally M votes went behind closed doors a few weeks ago, but if the voters have any sense Hughes will be right up there.

His performance in the Storm's 30-24 win over the Dolphins shows why. Hughes, as he always seems to be, was in the thick of the action as he scored a try and played a hand in several more. 

After the match, Hughes was critical of his own performance. He said his last-tackle decisions could have been better and he felt he put his team under pressure. Hughes plays like he always wants to be better, but based on how he's played in 2024 it's hard to imagine what that looks like.

ABC Player of the year votes:

3 - Jahrome Hughes (Storm)

2 - Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins)

1 - Christian Welch (Storm)

(Votes are compiled by the ABC Sport radio commentary team after each match)

2. Titans suddenly have strength in depth

Keano Kini runs with the ball

Keano Kini has been impressive at fullback.(Getty Images: Chris Hyde)

As abject as the Warriors were — and let's not beat around the bush, they were shockingly bad — a lot of credit has to be thrown the way of Des Hasler's Gold Coast Titans for their 66-6 demolition job.

Perhaps impressively, it was the blend of old and new, experience and excitement that the very best teams have that was on display at Robina.

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