Ryan Papenhuyzen is intent on making those who shopped him around “eat their words” by fighting to keep the Melbourne fullback jersey ahead of Sua Faalogo.
Key points:
- Papenhuyzen has only played 30 games since the 2020 NRL grand final
- Nine reported someone at the Storm had enquired if another club was interested in Papenhuyzen
- Electric rookie fullback Sua Faalogo scored two tries on debut in round 27
Injuries have restricted Papenhuyzen to only 30 games in the three years since winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the Storm’s 2020 grand final win.
He most recently fractured his ankle in the qualifying final loss to Brisbane in just his third NRL appearance after a 13-month knee injury lay-off.
The Storm have supported Papenhuyzen through his luckless run and are expecting to have him available for round one of the 2024 season, but a selection dilemma looms.
Aspiring fullback Faalogo announced himself with two tries on NRL debut in round 27, including one assisted by Papenhuyzen, and followed it up by starring for Samoa against Australia earlier this month.
“Sua’s a pretty crazy talent,” Papenhuyzen said.
“He’s worked hard all year and got his opportunity in that last-round game. He showed what he could do.
“He’s a very, very respectful young kid. You like seeing those blokes do well. Hopefully he doesn’t go too well — I’d like my spot back.
“But at the same time, I think he could play his role and be a valuable asset to our 17 next year.”
Amid the fullback headache, Nine reported the Storm had engaged a third party to contact a rival club and gauge their interest in signing Papenhuyzen if he were to become available.
Releasing Papenhuyzen could free up valuable salary cap space at the Storm, who are in desperate need of some reinforcements in the forward pack, and also have the versatile Nick Meaney as a fullback option.
Papenhuyzen is contracted through 2025 and has no desire to leave Melbourne.
“Nothing from my behalf, but I guess that’s the business of a footy club,” he said.
“There’s people within it that are thinking ahead and thinking of the next move. Someone at the club obviously doesn’t think that I’m that person anymore.
“I’ve still got the support of my teammates and definitely the support of a lot of people at the club.
“But that’s the business and that’s what people do sometimes, is toss questions out there and see what they can get in return.
“My job now is to prove them wrong and come back and make them eat their words.”
Papenhuyzen said he has not yet discussed his role at the Storm next year with coach Craig Bellamy, but he is preparing for a battle with Faalogo when he returns to training from January.
“I like to think there’s probably a blank slate and you’ve got to work to get your spot back,” he said.
“Any competition’s healthy, for me it gives you a bit more motivation, as long as you’re confident within yourself with what you can bring to the team.
“I’m confident in myself and confident I can be the number one and be the best fullback in the team. Now I’ve just got to prove it.”
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