After testing himself on the open market, fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is set to turn down interest from Canterbury and has signed a one-year extension with the Melbourne Storm. The decision comes after the Storm reportedly offered the star a reduced extension for 2026 on his current deal worth $1.1 million per season.
Upon hearing of his availability, the Bulldogs were quick to show interest, with director of football Phil Gould even making a last-ditch trip to Melbourne to convince Papenhuyzen to make the move. There were many potential lures for Papenhuyzen to return to Sydney beyond the context of financial gain, having grown up in Rouse Hill and with his family still in western Sydney. Papenhuyzen’s partner also lives in Sydney, and with the Bulldogs’ roster shaping up, would be a valuable addition to Cameron Ciraldo’s side.
More League With much to consider, Papenhuyzen had revealed he wanted to have his future settled before round one next year. His future had ramifications with rivals expecting Samoan whiz kid Sua Fa’alogo to become free if Papenhuyzen chose to stay in Melbourne. Should Fa’alogo stay, however, it’ll create an intense battle for the fullback jersey.
“It’s hard to avoid the stuff going around on social media. I haven’t made a decision yet,” Papenhuyzen said to Triple M. “There’s a lot of narrative around it being money, which is quite easy to speculate about, but that’s something I’ve been really strong on the whole time it’s .
