LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Former Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has recently clarified his future plans, definitively shutting down the prospect of an NRL comeback in 2026 and potentially for the next five years. Released at the end of October, there had been speculation about his return to rugby league, particularly with his previous ties to the R360 rugby union competition, which has been postponed for two years.
Despite ARLC Chairman Peter V'landys expressing enthusiasm for his return to the NRL, Papenhuyzen has confirmed that he will not be playing for any team in the upcoming season. "I want to do something a bit different and throw myself into something I'm a bit uncomfortable with, and see if I enjoy that," he stated in an interview with The Herald Sun during the Pro-Am event at the Australian Open in Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
He elaborated, "Life's only short. If I'm my 80-year-old self right looking back right now, what's something I would regret not doing? It's probably taking a chance and not doing something else. That's been the decision-making process."
Papenhuyzen noted that following the R360's postponement, he has been contemplating his next steps. "Once (the R360 postponement) came out, everyone said, 'what are you going to do now?' The plan was to have a year off and try a few different things. The plan doesn't change for me, maybe more for (Zac) Lomax," he explained.
In conclusion, the former Storm star has confirmed that he does not envision himself returning to the NRL for at least another three to five years. His current focus is on exploring new opportunities outside the realm of rugby league.