Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will prioritise premierships and family as he prepares for the possibility of entering the open market for the first time in his career.
The 26-year-old is contracted with the Storm through to the end of next season but will be free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 if a deal with his current club does not eventuate before then.
It’s an unfamiliar situation for the speedster but Papenhuyzen said he is determined to ensure it does not detract from the final two months of the season.
"It’s a weird feeling because I’ve never really been off contract," he said. "I’m not going to lie, it’s a weird feeling. We’re getting close to it [November 1] and you hear that other clubs are interested, but I really love Melbourne and love what we’ve built here.
"I don’t want to go anywhere, that’s for sure, but week to week it’s getting closer to November 1. It’s a new feeling and a little bit different, but I’ve probably put a bit of pressure on myself in that regard because I’ve got to come out here and play. It’s just simplifying things."
"What I’ve done is what I’ve done. I know my value now and I’ve got to stick with that a little more rather than come out here and try putting on a performance."
Ryan Papenhuyzen Try
Papenhuyzen said his agent recently met with the club and while a deal is not yet on the table, he's confident Melbourne officials are eager for him to remain at the Storm.
Complicating matters is the long-term contract signed by the man many believe will be his successor in the No.1 jersey, 21-year-old Sualauvi Fa'alogo who will remain with the team through to the end of 2028.
Sualauvi is special
The deal has triggered speculation Papenhuyzen could be set to return to Sydney after five seasons in Melbourne.
Such a move would bring him closer to family and while it's an attractive proposition, the fullback is keen to maximise his success on the field before his career comes to an end.
"I’ve got a nephew now and everything like that so you want to be close to the family, but at the same time I love my time in Melbourne and it’s only an hour flight away, plus we’re up here every second week," Papenhuyzen said.
"It’s not too much of a concern and it’s never really bothered me before. I know footy is only a short period of my life, and I want to win premierships – that’s always been the goal. I feel like we’re building something here. If the club wants me then I’ll be here."
Match: Rabbitohs v Storm
Round 23 -
home Team
Rabbitohs
15th Position
away Team
Storm
1st Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Talk of Papenhuyzen's future comes as he works his way back from the latest in a string of lower leg injuries that have derailed the last few years.
The speedster took the NRL by storm in 2020, winning the Clive Churchill Medal as Melbourne rolled on to another premiership.
There were glimpses of that form in Thursday night's victory over the Rabbitohs, Papenhuyzen slicing through the South Sydney defensive line in a break that brought back memories of his crucial long-range try late in the first half of the 2020 decider.
Grant Anderson Try
It's a warning sign for the Panthers ahead of next week's top-of-the-table showdown at BlueBet Stadium, with the Storm determined to produce a much-improved showing after a scratchy second half on Thursday.
"It’s probably the first time I’ve been in open space with the footy [since the injury]," Papenhuyzen said. "It felt good, but there were things at the start of the game that I wasn’t really happy with that put us under a bit of pressure.
"I feel like I’m trying too hard at the moment, that’s the theme of it. I probably need to take a step back and focus on fewer things and simplify my role a bit more."
