LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Former Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen has opened up about the pivotal moment that led him to step back from his NRL career and focus on his health. He expressed his sentiment candidly, stating, "I think I have retired."
Papenhuyzen shared his thoughts during an appearance on the "167 Podcast," hosted by former teammates and close friends Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster. While he mentioned having discussions regarding the now-postponed R360 rugby union competition, he clarified that this was not the main factor in his decision to step away from the game.
After enduring multiple injuries and concussions throughout his dynamic 113-game NRL career, it was a significant incident at Suncorp Stadium during the last round of the previous season that prompted Papenhuyzen to reflect on his future. "I'll start from the Brisbane game in the last round," he recalled. "I had that head knock in the last minutes and went off the field and was in the sheds, pretty emotional. I was rattled."