Former Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has continued to be linked to a return to rugby league after he sensationally walked away from the final year of his Melbourne contract.
It was initially thought the Storm fullback was leaving to pursue a lucrative offer in rebel rugby competition R360, but when the competition was officially delayed until 2028, many expected Papenhuyzen to be back in the NRL.
In a shocking turn of events however, Papenhuyzen has today confirmed he has no ambition or plans to return to the NRL, or any sport, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph.
The 27-year-old fullback confirmed he will take a full gap year rather than pursue any code-switch or professional offer and does not see professional sport in his future – at least for the moment.
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“I want to do something a bit different and throw myself into something I’m a bit uncomfortable with, and see if I enjoy that,” Papenhuyzen said.
“Life’s only short.” Papenhuyzen confided, admitting he can’t currently picture himself playing any form of professional sport again.
He also clarified his decision wasn’t dependent on the collapse of the rebel R360 concept, insisting the competition would have been “only a positive” but had no bearing on his immediate plans.
Instead, Papenhuyzen will shift his focus to mentoring young athletes and exploring long-standing interests outside rugby league - and outside of being a professional athlete for as long as he can remember.
“Once the R360 postponement came out everyone said, ‘what are you going to do now?’ But the plan was always to have a year off and try a few different things,” Papenhuyzen explained.
The former Clive Churchill Medallist said he understands he may eventually miss the sport, but is enjoying the chance to reset after a decade of elite-level pressure and repeated injury battles.
“When you look within, once you understand yourself you understand what you want to do; for me at this time of my life, it’s not footy,” Papenhuyzen declared.
The electric No.1, who has overcome concussions, knee injuries and a shattered kneecap across his career, surprised many by stepping away so soon after a strong 2025 season.
The superstar fullback left the door slightly ajar for an eventual return, but has made it clear 2026 will be dedicated to life outside rugby league.
While fans may hold hope of a comeback, Papenhuyzen insists he wants to “have a punt” at something new, putting the next chapter of his life first.
After 10 years of professional rugby league and being one of the most popular players in the game, it is not just a blow for the NRL and prospective clubs, but most of all for fans.
Whilst many may be disappointed they won’t see Papenhuyzen’s flowing locks in the clear scoring tries in 2026, no one can question his courage – and that’s not for his rugby league performances.
With millions on offer, Papenhuyzen has bravely chosen to turn down what most athletes would take, and instead travel the far less chosen path of exploring his life outside of sport – all in his prime years.
It is a decision even the most ardent rugby league fan has to respect, whilst a glimmer of hope remains that one day we will see the electric fullback again, just one last time.
That will not be in 2026 though – and there is a chance it could very well be never.