Ryan Papenhuyzen makes triumphant return against Titans after 13-month injury lay-off – and he could be the Melbourne Storm’s finals wildcard
Ryan Papenhuyzen makes triumphant comeback against Titans after thirteen months injury-free – and could be the wildcard into the final of the Melbourne Storm
- Ryan Papenhuyzen is back after thirteen months of absence
- Melbourne Storm looked ominous with the final approaching
- Xavier Coates scored a hat-trick in the win over Titans
Melbourne Storm favorite son Ryan Papenhuyzen marked his return to the NRL with an impressive 19th minute cameo in Saturday’s 37-16 victory over the Gold Coast Titans at AAMI Park.
The 25-year-old was met with a raucous reception from the home fans in purple, who have not seen their star full-back in the paddock since July last year.
And it was clear that Papenhuyzen was eager to make up for lost time.
Playing in the centre, he came on in the 61st minute in what would have been a huge confidence boost given the severity of his knee injury.
The 2020 NRL premiership winner has spent the last few weeks working on his match fitness in the Queensland Cup with the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
Melbourne Storm favorite son Ryan Papenhuyzen marked his return to the NRL with an impressive 19th minute cameo in Saturday’s 37-16 victory over the Gold Coast Titans
There were private fears that Papenhuyzen would never play again, such was the extent of his knee injury last July (pictured, Storm coach Craig Bellamy)
Papenhuyzen was carted off AAMI Park after suffering a broken kneecap (pictured) in a defeat to Canberra in 2022
With shirt number 19 and his signature mullet, it was impossible to miss ‘Paps’ as Craig Bellamy’s men seemed to shift into gear as the finals approached.
They did so comfortably, with Xavier Coates bagging a hat-trick.
As a full-time interlocutor, Papenhuyzen was relieved to make it through his comeback in the NRL without any worries.
“It’s great to be back… I’ve had some dark days,” he said.
“The crowd was excellent, a huge thank you to those who came to cheer us on, it was a game we really had to win.”
When asked if he had any nerves before the game, Papenhuyzen said belief was key.
“I just focused on getting out there and doing my job,” he said. “It was a great feeling to be back with the guys on game day.”
Melbourne (34 points) is currently fourth on the NRL ladder, but faces a tough challenge against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium next round.
Bellamy is not supposed to rest his stars as he is aiming for a place in the top four.