LeagueNews.co | Nick Loken
Papenhuyzen's return was a welcome sight for Storm fans, as the dynamic fullback had been sidelined with a shoulder injury since Round 10 of the 2022 season.
In his limited game time, Papenhuyzen showed glimpses of his trademark speed and agility, injecting energy into the Storm's attack.
The Titans put up a strong fight, with David Fifita causing headaches for the Storm defense with his powerful runs and offloads.
However, the Storm's defense held firm, limiting the Titans to just two tries for the match.
Melbourne's forward pack was dominant, with Jesse Bromwich and Nelson Asofa-Solomona leading the way with their strong carries and aggressive tackling.
Bromwich and Asofa-Solomona's efforts paved the way for the Storm's backline to shine, with Xavier Coates and Reimis Smith crossing for a combined four tries.
Coates, in particular, was in scintillating form, showcasing his speed and aerial prowess to score a hat trick for the sixth time in his career.
The win solidified the Storm's position at the top of the ladder, securing the minor premiership for the 2023 season.
With the finals just around the corner, the Storm will be looking to carry this momentum into the postseason and chase another NRL title.