Hughes played for the Sydney Roosters SG Ball Cup team before being signed by the Gold Coast Titans in 2012.

[8] In Round 12, Hughes made his North Queensland debut in Wollongong, scoring a try in the 10–14 loss to St. George Illawarra.

After the retirement of Billy Slater and injury to Scott Drinkwater, Hughes began the 2019 season playing fullback.

This transition would prove successful with Hughes starting at halfback in Melbourne's 26–20 2020 NRL Grand Final over Penrith.

[13] In 2022, Hughes started at halfback for the first time in his fourth test match representing New Zealand Kiwis.

Hughes played a total of 23 matches for Melbourne in the 2024 NRL season as the club were runaway minor premiers.

[17][18] Hughes would be selected for New Zealand for the 2024 Rugby League Pacific Championships, but had to withdraw from the squad due to injury.