LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Ryan Papenhuyzen is facing a tough decision as he weighs up a move back home to Sydney with the Bulldogs offering big money.
Will he choose the cash or stick with his current club, the Storm? This dilemma is a common one for NRL stars, with Nicho Hynes' $6 million deal at the Sharks serving as a cautionary tale.
Just like Papenhuyzen, Hynes had his own struggles after an injury in 2024 saw him playing second fiddle to his teammate Braydon Trindall.
Despite being the Sharks' marquee player, Hynes had to take a back seat as Trindall took charge on the field.
Trindall's standout performances in the finals raised eyebrows, leading many to question if Hynes truly deserved his hefty contract.
Despite his stellar 2022 season that earned him the Dally M Medal, Hynes' confidence took a hit after being dropped from the State of Origin squad and struggling post-injury in 2024.
The scrutiny from the Sydney media was unrelenting as Hynes' form dipped, highlighting the pressures that come with being a marquee player in the NRL.
Will Papenhuyzen be able to handle the spotlight if he makes the move to a Sydney team like the Bulldogs? Only time will tell.