[4] Hughes made his first-grade début for Wigan in a fourth round Challenge Cup win over Barrow on 8 May 2011.

[9][10][11][12][13] In November 2014, Hughes joined Huddersfield Giants on a season-long loan in an exchange deal for Larne Patrick.

[23] On 12 August 2023, Hughes played for Leigh in their 2023 Challenge Cup final victory over Hull Kingston Rovers.

[24] Hughes played 15 games for Leigh in the 2023 Super League season as the club finished fifth on the table and qualified for the playoffs.

[25] Hughes played 29 games for Leigh in the 2024 Super League season which saw the club finish fifth on the table.

[30] He was selected in England 9s squad for the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s,[31] but withdrew due to injury and was replaced by Blake Austin.