Ryan Papenhuyzen Bids Emotional Farewell to Melbourne Storm
Melbourne Storm fans have been hit with some big news — Ryan Papenhuyzen, one of the club’s most electrifying players, has been granted an immediate release, despite still having a year left on his contract. The announcement came directly from the club, confirming that the 27-year-old fullback will be stepping away from rugby league to take time and reflect on his future.
Now, for many fans, this feels like the end of an era. Papenhuyzen has been part of the Storm family for nearly a decade, playing 113 games and becoming one of the most dynamic and beloved players to ever wear the purple jersey. His incredible speed and fearless style of play made him a fan favorite — and, of course, who could forget his unforgettable performance in the 2020 NRL Grand Final? That was when he won the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal, helping Melbourne to a thrilling 26–20 victory over the Penrith Panthers.
In his farewell statement, Papenhuyzen spoke with deep emotion about his time at the club. He said he’s loved every moment in Melbourne, cherishing the memories and experiences that came with representing the Storm. He thanked the club for understanding his decision, as well as his teammates, coaches, and fans for their unwavering support. He described his journey as “something I’ll never forget,” which really shows how much the club and its community meant to him.
Unfortunately, his career has been marked by some tough challenges too. Injuries plagued much of his journey, particularly between 2021 and 2023, when he managed to play only 30 games across those three seasons. But to his credit, he bounced back remarkably in 2024 and 2025, featuring in more than 20 matches each season and helping the Storm reach back-to-back grand finals.
Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp acknowledged that while the club is disappointed to lose such a talented player, they completely respect his decision. He praised Papenhuyzen’s resilience and character, saying that his contribution to the team — both on and off the field — has been immense.
There’s also been speculation about what comes next for Papenhuyzen. Some reports have linked him to the emerging rebel rugby union competition, R360, though nothing official has been confirmed. For now, he’s taking some much-needed time away to decide on his next move.
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It’s safe to say that Ryan Papenhuyzen leaves behind a huge legacy at the Melbourne Storm — one built on heart, courage, and unforgettable moments that fans will talk about for years to come.
Ryan Papenhuyzen’s time with the Melbourne Storm has officially come to an end, marking the close of an incredible chapter in both his career and the club’s history. The 27-year-old fullback has been granted an immediate release from the Storm, even though he still had a year remaining on his contract. It’s a decision that’s been met with both sadness and respect from fans and teammates alike.
Papenhuyzen’s journey with the Storm began back in 2017, after moving over from the Wests Tigers system. He made his NRL debut in 2019 against the Canterbury Bulldogs and quickly made an impact with his speed, flair, and fearless playing style. One of his most unforgettable moments came in 2020, when he helped Melbourne secure the NRL premiership with a thrilling 26–20 win over the Penrith Panthers. His performance that night earned him the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal, a testament to his brilliance on the biggest stage.
However, Papenhuyzen’s career has not been without its challenges. After the highs of 2020, he was plagued by a string of serious injuries that limited his appearances between 2021 and 2023. Many wondered whether he would ever return to his best form. But his determination and resilience shone through, as he fought his way back to consistent play in 2024 and 2025. Over those two seasons, he featured in more than 40 matches combined and played a vital role in leading Melbourne to consecutive grand final appearances.
In his farewell statement, Papenhuyzen expressed deep gratitude to the club and its supporters. “I’ve loved my time at Melbourne Storm,” he said. “Close to a decade of incredible memories and experiences in the purple jersey — that’s something I’ll never forget. I want to thank the club for their understanding, and my teammates, coaches, and the staff for their love and support.”
Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp acknowledged that while the club was disappointed to see him go, they fully respected his decision to take time away from rugby league to reassess his future. He praised Papenhuyzen’s courage and character, describing him as a player who embodied everything the Storm stands for — resilience, humility, and heart.
Rumors have swirled about Papenhuyzen potentially being linked to a new rugby union competition, R360, but for now, he’s stepping back to reflect on what’s next. For Storm fans, this departure feels bittersweet — the end of an era for a player whose speed and energy lit up the field, but also a moment to celebrate a career filled with heart, courage, and unforgettable highlights.
Whatever comes next for Ryan Papenhuyzen, one thing’s for sure — his legacy in the purple jersey will always be remembered.
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