“I had nerve issues running down my legs and it was a pretty nasty injury. It was running down my hamstring and I tore my hamstring four times in a year, two years ago.

“It was all coming from my back, so I had to get it all cleaned out. I was playing with it in pain for about a year.

“I was pretty scared going into it just before the operation, thinking ‘This could be my career here’, but thankfully it’s come good. Just before the surgery those were the nerves I was feeling. It was about a three-hour surgery but the full recovery was about six months. I’m pretty happy to say I never think about it now.”

The difference has been plain to see for Hughes, teammates and staff.

Hooker Reed Mahoney saw the big raps on Hughes when they were at Parramatta together, his injury issues after arriving at Canterbury and the strides he has made since.

“He’s one of the fittest front-rowers I’ve ever seen in a pre-season,” Mahoney said. “He’s growing every week, and it’s tough as a young front-rower to be playing that many games in a row, but he’s doing such a great job for us. There’s plenty more to see from Sammy too.”

Gould too sees the promise too, with Hughes describing him as a mentor alongside coach Cameron Ciraldo.

“I hadn’t been in touch with Gus too much before coming to Canterbury but he gives me advice on stuff to take out of games,” Hughes said.

“Just little coaching tips, he’ll spot little details in my game and areas for me to keep training hard and keep working hard on.”

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