LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Ryan Papenhuyzen, the former star of the Melbourne Storm, is contemplating whether he will return to professional sports, describing his future as a "blank canvas."
After participating in the Australian Open pro-am at Royal Melbourne, he shared, "I've always been pretty set on next year as a gap year for sport in general, so the only sport I'll be playing is golf." Papenhuyzen elaborated on his plans, stating, "The plan was to always have a year off and try a few different things and see how that goes so that hasn't changed for me."
Papenhuyzen reflected on the importance of seizing opportunities, saying, "Life's only short so if I'm my 80-year-old self looking back now, what's something I regret not doing? It's probably taking a chance and doing something else." After nearly a decade in rugby league and sports overall, he expressed his desire to explore new avenues: "I've been in rugby league for nearly 10 years now and sport for 10 years, so why not pivot and try something else and there's always an option to come back, which is great."
He feels a sense of personal growth, stating, "I feel like I'm at a point now where I've really progressed as a human and athletically as well, but there's more things I want to achieve in life and why not have a punt at that now?"
When asked if he could envision himself returning to the game, he simply replied no.