The reigning Dally M Medallist is recovering from a fractured forearm and racing against time to prove his arm has healed enough to take on Cronulla AAMI Park for a spot in the grand final next week. Hughes was named in Melbourne’s extended squad on Tuesday in the hope he is fit to play by game day. Credit: Getty ImagesMeanwhile, captain Adam Reynolds will return at halfback for the Broncos alongside new super-sub Ezra Mam against Penrith in Sunday’s grand final qualifier. The Panthers will remember how dynamic Mam can be after his hat-trick of tries in the 2023 grand final, won 26-24 by Penrith. Credit: Getty Images Martin won last year’s Clive Churchill medal against Melbourne despite playing through the pain of a popped rib cartilage in the 2024 grand final.