Former NRL player Ryan Papenhuyzen has firmly denied rumors regarding a possible return to the league, following reports suggesting he might be linked with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
Papenhuyzen, who made headlines last year with his unexpected retirement after the NRL Grand Final loss with the Melbourne Storm, chose to explore new opportunities beyond rugby league.
According to FanaticsTV, the Bulldogs are reportedly interested in Papenhuyzen, contemplating whether he might be tempted back into the NRL after taking a year off.
However, the 2020 Clive Churchill Medallist has publicly stated his intentions to remain away from the sport, focusing instead on pursuing ventures in other codes.
"I just don't know where people keep getting it from," Papenhuyzen expressed during an episode of the 167Podcast. "I think it was James Graham at the start of the year who said, 'He's going to come back by June.' It's nearly July and I'm in America, so you do the math."
The podcast, hosted alongside fellow former Storm players Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, often features discussions with prominent figures from the NRL.
"You're training with the New York Jets, though over there aren't you?" Hughes quipped, eliciting a chuckle.
"But yeah, no. Not true," Papenhuyzen reiterated.
"I'm just not playing footy again."