LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
In a recent revelation, Greg Alexander, a prominent figure in the world of Rugby League, has expressed concern for Ryan Papenhuyzen amidst the bombshell report of the Melbourne Storm star being shopped to a rival NRL club.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a third party, representing the Storm, approached another club to gauge their interest in the talented 25-year-old, who is contracted until 2025.
Papenhuyzen, who is adored by Storm fans and played a crucial role in their 2020 premiership triumph, has faced a series of setbacks in the form of injuries.
He suffered a shattered knee cap in 2022 and endured a horrific ankle break in just his third game back in 2023.
The timing of these reports linking Papenhuyzen to a rival club coincides with the rise of Sualauvi Faalogo, a promising young player for the Storm.
Faalogo's impressive performances for Samoa in the recent Pacific Championship Test series have earned him a significant contract upgrade, with Storm management looking to double his pay and include him in the club's top 30 for the 2024 season.
The implications of these developments for Papenhuyzen remain uncertain.
He will have to compete against Faalogo and Nick Meaney for the Storm's fullback role, with Meaney showcasing his abilities in Papenhuyzen's absence throughout the previous season.
Moreover, Melbourne is reportedly interested in bolstering their forward pack, necessitating the creation of salary cap space.
This revelation by Greg Alexander sheds light on the potential challenges faced by Papenhuyzen, who has already proven his worth as a key player for the Storm.
The coming months will undoubtedly provide further clarity on the future of this talented Rugby League star.