Ryan Papenhuyzen in $850,000 Eels development as Melbourne Storm face Sua Faalogo gamble
The Melbourne Storm are weighing-up their options when it comes to their long-term fullback.
Melbourne could be facing an ugly situation of losing young prodigy Sua Faalogo as Ryan Papenhuyzen's contract negotiations progress with the Eels set to turn their back on a $850,000 move for the Storm fullback. The minor premiers are enjoying a week off after obliterating the Sharks in the NRL finals as they wait to face the winner of the Manly Sea Eagles and the Roosters.
And while Craig Bellamy's men rest the squad during the NRL finals, speculation continues to swirl around Papenhuyzen's next contract. The popular Storm fullback is yet to re-sign with the club as the 26-year-old weighs-up his options ahead of a potential long-term deal.
The gun fullback is on the cusp of signing a contract extension with the Melbourne Storm, and has previously revealed the role Billy Slater and wife Nicole have played in keeping him on the right track. Papenhuyzen's agent Clinton Schifcofske reportedly met with Storm officials to finalise a new three-year deal for the 26-year-old.
Papenhuyzen's current contract runs until the end of the 2025 season, meaning he would be free to negotiate with rival NRL clubs come November 1 this year. While Storm fans would be thrilled to lock down Papenhuyzen, reporter David Riccio has suggested the club could face the reality of losing Faalogo.
Earlier this year, Faalogo signed and extension with the Storm until the end of 2028. Although he could become frustrated if he can't lock down a starting position. There will be no shortage of rival clubs wanting to sign the fullback if he seeks more time on the field.
Speaking on SEN Radio, Riccio believes the Storm are aware a long-term deal for Papenhuyzen signals their intent to play him as the No.1 for years to come. "This is going to be really interesting decision down in Melbourne," Riccio said on SEN Radio on Wednesday morning.
"My discussion with the Storm only about a week ago, they were swimming as far as negotiations are concerned to extend Ryan Papenhuyzen," Riccio said on Wednesday. "However, the fact is they do it at a risk of losing Sua Faalogo.
"Despite the fact they believe they will be able to retain Faalogo as well, it is a juggling act. The catch to Papenhuyzen leaving the Storm will be whether the buying club will invest significant money.
Incoming Eels coach Jason Ryles could also be in the market for a new fullback. Clint Gutherson is set to shift from fullback to a utility role in 2025. This opens up the No.1 jersey. However, Riccio does not feel the eels would be willing to fork out close to $850,000 for Papenhuyzen due to his injury concerns. This is despite Papenhuyzen's form in 2024, which has seen him play some of his best footy in years.
"Given the fact we know how brilliant he is, but also along with some injury issues that he has had more recently. In some clubs eyes it would be seen as a gamble. But for Parramatta, do they go there? I say no."
Ryan Papenhuyzen addresses contract negotiations
The fullback has suffered a poor run of injuries having fracturing his leg twice in two years after also shattering his knee cap in 2022. Faalogo is also pushing for a starting position for the Storm after some blockbuster performances in 2024.
Papenhuyzen recently admitted he was in an unusual situation having not faced being off contract throughout his NRL career. And after Melbourne's win over the Rabbitohs in round 23, Papenhuyzen appeared to shut down any speculation surrounding an exit from the Storm.
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“It’s a weird feeling because I’ve never really been off contract,” he said after Melbourne's win over South Sydney on Thursday night. “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. 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 in new relationship in Melbourne
Another reason why Papenhuyzen could opt to stay in Melbourne is the recent anncouncement he is in a new relationship. Speaking on the 'Ausmerican Aces' podcast in June with Storm teammates Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, the fullback hinted that he was off the market.
“Yeah boys, I don’t live the single life any more,” the 26-year-old said at the time. “I am off the market. I’m locked up. There’s no launches yet, it’s very early stages.”
Two months later and it looks like the mystery woman has been unmasked. Papenhuyzen posted a photo with Sydney influencer Emma Mac on social media this week in a series of pics with the caption "pookie era". And just last week, Mac informed her followers that she'll be moving to Melbourne in the very near future.
