Melbourne Storm’s $1.1m star to test open market amid pay cut fears
The Melbourne Storm have reportedly conceded one of their most marketable star players will test the open market amid fears of a pay cut.
Matthew Sullivan October 27, 2024 - 1:27PM
The Melbourne Storm are reportedly resigned to the fact Ryan Papenhuyzen will test himself on the open market.
The Storm’s star fullback is contracted to the end of 2025 but will become a free agent on November 1 if an agreement with the Storm isn’t reached by the deadline.
Rugby league journalist Danny Weidler reports the Storm are still hoping to re-sign Papenhuyzen, but have conceded he will test the open market in hope of a more lucrative contract than the one on the table.
In his SMH column, Weidler said sources believe Papenhuyzen’s current deal is worth around $1.1 million for 2025 including endorsements.
The Storm reportedly want to pay Papenhuyzen $750,000 in his next deal, plus around $200,000 in endorsements, but it would still be a pay cut on his current contract.
Weidler noted Papenhuyzen is from Sydney and “would be an interesting option for Parramatta or St George”.
The Eels have told veteran Clint Gutherson he is free to explore his options and are preparing for life without the 30-year-old fullback in 2026.
Papenhuyzen had a resurgent year for the Storm, scoring 13 tries and starring in Melbourne’s preliminary final win over the Sydney Roosters.
The 26-year-old is a marketer’s dream and played 20 games in a strong season bouncing back from injury.
Papenhuyzen is a key part of Melbourne’s spine that includes Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster. He played in the Storm’s grand final loss to Penrith.
Papenhuyzen played in Melbourne’s 2020 premiership win and was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal in the Grand Final.
But the popular fullback has struggled to stay on the park consistently since then due to concussion in 2021, hamstring injuries and a fractured knee cap in 2022, before breaking his ankle in the qualifying final loss to the Broncos last year after missing most of the 2023 season.
Hit fitness in 2024 played a part in Melbourne finishing two games clear on top of the NRL ladder.
Replies
26 Years old, born and bred in the Parramatta District. Played his Junior Football for Kellyville Bushrangers in the Eels Junior District, Went to School at Castle Hill.
Would look good in the Blue and Gold for 2026
Nah I'll pass .
Indeed he would.
We have iongi and he may be a bloody good player but we just don't know for sure. Paps is proven, has pace and positional smarts and is available.
Get him.
Risky signing, Ryan has only played 92 games from 2019
While age is not an issue he is injure prone
No. Injury prone misses usually an minimum 1/3 of the season through injuries and has lost pace in the last 2 years.
I'd rather throw the money we have available at a dummy half that is on the verge of origin or in origin camps. We've been hurting ever since we lost the l'il Judas midget. Hodgson, Hands and Lussick have all been massive failures. You need the first player that touches the ball after the play the ball to have quality and positional smarts.
Papz is a superstar and would instantly add value to the team in a few different ways, he's a smart attacker, fast, can ball play, and always gives 100% effort in the field, that in itself would be worth making a play for. Plus, having a player with his calibre around the team would set and maintain the standards we need to drive for a premiership.
But, with his recent injury history there's no doubts in my mind that this is a high risk play and I'm not sure it's worth rolling the dice over just now.
My gut tells me he's just using a few Sydney clubs to bump up that shitty offer Storm gave him. I think he'll stay in Melbourne.
Do we think his injuries have just been bad luck injuries or his body just isnt up to NRL rigours and never will be.
2 very different scenarios.
Is it possible he has now had all his major injuries and can go the next 7 years major injury free. Just a thought.
The bloke added to our squad would instantly increase our chances of playing another Grandfinal. Throw in a hooker and winger and we have a very very good side on paper.
Fair call Blue Eel, Gutho had a horror run with injury before he came good.
He's mislabelled as being injury prone. He had 2 major collision injuries which would have crippled any human. That's just bad luck. Those aside and he's about as durable as anyone else.
Ryan brings a ton of positives both on and off the field.
Most strong sides spend big money on their FB. Every club wants an elite FB. Gutho leaving and Papenhuyzen taking his spot would be a fantastic result for our club.
I think his first preference would be to stay in Melbourne. He's settled there and is close to his teammates. But if Melbourne are severely under paying him vs the market then he may not have a choice but to leave.
If he's looking for a million a season that leaves us out.
As much as I would like him, that money can be used for other positions.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next