NRL superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen debuts glamorous Sydney influencer girlfriend… As shocked fans question what happened to his lookalike sports star ex
NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen appears to have announced his new romance on social media, after confirming earlier this year that he was ‘no longer available’.
The Melbourne Storm ace — originally from Sydney — first hinted he was ‘locked in’ two months ago, bBut now it looks like he’s ready to share his love with the world.
On Monday, Ryan posted a photo of himself next to Sydney influencer Emma Mac with the caption “pookie era.”
The 21-year-old TikTokker also shared a photo of the couple at Ryan’s game on Saturday night, sending his followers into a frenzy.
“You and Dad. OMG,” one user wrote under the post.
In June, Ryan revealed his relationship status during an appearance on the Ausmerican Aces podcast with teammates Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
“Yes guys, I’m not living single anymore,” the 26-year-old full-back announced.
“Is that exclusive?” Cameron and Jarome asked, to which Ryan reluctantly replied, “It could be.”
NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen appears to have debuted his new romance on social media by posting a photo with Sydney influencer Emma Mac (both pictured)
After Cameron and Jahrome encouraged him to rephrase his words so his unknown partner wouldn’t be “gross,” Ryan reiterated, “Yeah guys, I’m not living single anymore.”
“There are no launches yet, it’s just the beginning,” he added.
When Munster and Hughes questioned him about the mysterious woman, Papenhuyzen remained silent.
“So you’re in a relationship?” Cameron asked, to which Ryan replied, “Yes.”
Emma is a 21-year-old TikTok fashion star who posts videos of ‘Get Ready With Me’ and ‘Fit Check’
In June, Ryan dropped his relationship status during an appearance on the Ausmerican Aces podcast, admitting he’s no longer living “the single life”
“Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane?” asked Jahrome.
“That doesn’t matter,” Ryan replied.
Meanwhile, some fans admitted they were confused as they were under the impression Ryan was still in a relationship with Australian Diamonds and West Coast Fever netball club star Kelsey Browne.
The athletic duo split in 2022 after three years of being together.
He was later linked to two-time Olympic swimming champion and world record holder Ariarne Titmus.
Some fans admitted they were confused as they were under the impression Ryan was still in a relationship with Australian Diamonds and West Coast Fever netballer Kelsey Browne. Pictured together at the 2019 Dally M Awards
“I live under a rock I thought bro was still with Kelsey,” one user wrote.
“No because I thought he was still with Kelsey,” another added with a shocked emoji.
“Aww…I loved Kelsey,” added a third.
That’s perhaps a testament to how quiet the NRL player typically is about his love life.
This came after Ryan’s new girlfriend Emma announced on the social media platform last week that she was moving to Melbourne for her new relationship.
The glamorous TikTok creator says she’s “so excited” but also “absolutely devastated” because she’s never lived outside the home before.
Ryan’s new girlfriend Emma (left) took to the social media platform last week to reveal she’s moving to Melbourne for the new relationship. Right: Ryan’s ex Kelsey Browne
Several fans responded to the comments about Ryan’s previous relationship with Kelsey
“I’m also moving out for the first time. I’m going to rent a little apartment in Melbourne,” Emma said.
The social media star, who has amassed an engaged audience of more than 850,000 since March 2023 with the videos “Get Ready With Me” and “Fit Check,” was more direct about the label he wanted to give it.
“The question I get asked most often is, ‘Do I have a boyfriend?’ I do, and I’m so happy I do,” Emma continued.
“I can’t even explain it to you, but he’s the reason I’m moving to Melbourne. I’m going to live alone, but I’m moving to be closer to him.”
The social media star, who has amassed an engaged audience of more than 850,000 since March 2023, was more direct about putting a label on her relationship with the footballer