LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski has addressed recent reports suggesting that a rival rugby union competition has expressed 'interest' in several Storm players, particularly standout fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen. Papenhuyzen, known for his popularity and marketability in the NRL, raised eyebrows last year when he opted for a one-year extension with the Storm.
He possesses a 'mutual' option to remain with the Storm until 2027, contingent upon an agreement between him and the club. Nevertheless, as he approaches free agency on November 1, there are suggestions that the Perth Bears may offer him a substantial deal to become one of their first marquee players when they join the NRL in 2027.
The Storm is also wary of competition from European rugby, particularly the northern hemisphere's R360 league, which aims to sign top-tier players, including those from the NRL. Papenhuyzen's name has been frequently mentioned in connection with a lucrative transition to this new rugby venture. Rodski shared insights about this on SEN radio, acknowledging the buzz surrounding the situation.
"I don't think anyone has absolute clarity on if it's going to go ahead or if it is, what year that will be," Rodski remarked. "All the indications are now that they've got the funding, they're starting to build the teams... we're hearing that up to 140 players have signed."
Although he did not specify Papenhuyzen, Rodski confirmed that there's notable interest in several Storm players from R360, remarking, "There's definitely some interest in NRL players, including some Melbourne Storm players and I think that's inevitable. But whether or not a player ends up taking up one of those contracts and moving on from the NRL, I'm not sure."
Moreover, Warriors veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is another NRL star often associated with a potential lucrative shift to rugby union. Despite the ongoing approach from R360, Rodski does not perceive it as a significant threat to the NRL. "I don't think it's a massive threat to the game or anything like that," he asserted. "If four, five, six players end up going over and trying it out, I don't think it's the end of the world for the code."
However, he expressed concern about the impact of losing key players, stating, "But at the same time if we lose a couple of the big stars and most marketable stars then that's obviously not ideal. It's certainly not something as a league and a code that we'd like to happen. But at the same time I think it's inevitable that some of those key players will be starting to look at it."