Steven Hughes joined Canterbury in 1992 as a five-eight.

In 1993, Steven started the season in the Under 21 team and progressed through the grades to receive the opportunity to play first grade against Brisbane as a replacement. He played in the reserve grade Preliminary Final against Newcastle, playing centre.

In 1994, Steven was a regular member of the reserve grade team and was promoted to first grade when Jarrod McCracken was injured. He played in the Grand Final against Canberra.

In 1995, Steven's season was ruined by a knee injury in the World Sevens tournament and returned in 1996 to be a regular member of the first grade team.

In 1997, Steven became a regular member of the reserve grade team and played in the Premiership winning team against Auckland as five-eight. 

In 1998, Steven started in reserve grade and was promoted to first grade when Shane Marteene was relegated. He was injured mid-season and returned to reserve grade to play in the Premiership winning team against Parramatta as a replacement.

In 1999, Steven started the season in first grade and became a regular member of the first grade team and played in the Semi-Final against Melbourne.

In 2000, Steven suffered a knee injury in the first match of the season and did not return until 2001 where he became a regular member of the reserve grade team.

In 2002, Steven became captain of the Premier League team and led the Premiership winning team against St George Illawarra. He equalled Hazem El Masri's 1998 record for the most tries in a reserve grade season (60).

Steven was captain of the reserve team in 2003 and played in the Preliminary Final against Penrith.

In 2004, Steven moved to lock and played his last game in the Qualifying Semi-Final against the Roosters. He became the third Canterbury player to score 100 tries for the club.

He was nominated for the Berries to Bulldogs 70 Year Team of Champions and is a Life Member of the Football Club