NRL bombshell as Ryan Papenhuyzen shopped to rival club

The SMH are reporting the third party approached a rival club to garner their interest in signing the 25-year-old fullback if he became available.

Melbourne general manager Frank Ponissi reportedly scoffed at the suggestion, with Papenhuyzen signing a three-year extension worth around $2 million in 2021.

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His current contract expires at the end of 2025 and he reportedly wasn’t bothered by the news when contacted.

Papenhuyzen is a Storm fan favourite and one of the NRL’s most marketable players, but Melbourne have another rising fullback on their hands.

Sualauvi Faalogo turned heads in his single first grade appearance and has also been electric for Samoa in this year’s Pacific Championships.

Storm bosses have reportedly begun discussions to extend his current contract and upgrade him in to the top 30 for the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, Papenhuyzen has battled with injuries in recent years and by no fault of his own, been sidelined for extended periods.

A matter of weeks after he returned from a catastrophic knee cap fracture that had him out of the game for more than a year, Papenhuyzen suffered yet another disastrous knee injury in the team’s qualifying final clash with the Broncos last month.

He posted a photo from his hospital bed confirming he has another long road ahead with a rehab program to get back on the field next season.

Elsewhere, the Storm also have Nick Meaney who has been impressive at fullback in Papenhuyzen’s absence.

Craig Bellamy and the Storm reportedly are looking to improve their forward pack and any cash freed up by a move for Papenhuyzen will likely be used in this area.

Third parties are often used in sensitive contract moves or decisions, allowing the club to be at arms length to any discussions taking place.

Originally published as Papenhuyzen shopped to NRL rival in shock Storm move amid young gun’s emergence