In a stunning development, Ryan Papenhuyzen has played his final game for the Melbourne Storm after being granted an immediate release from the final year of his contract.
The 27-year-old fullback had been a key figure for Melbourne since 2020, becoming the team’s first-choice No.1 after Jahrome Hughes moved to halfback.
The decision was confirmed following a meeting between Papenhuyzen and Storm chairman Matt Tripp, where both parties agreed he would depart the club according to reports today in the Daily Telegraph.
Papenhuyzen has been considered a vital member of the Storm’s ‘Big Four’ alongside captain Harry Grant and halves Cameron Munster and Hughes, and the Storm have made no secret they were hoping to re-sign the livewire fullback.
MORE: Gold Coast Titans sign seven new players
Despite having one year remaining on his deal, with an option for a further season, Papenhuyzen chose to step away from Melbourne, following months of speculation around the rebel rugby union competition R360 targeting the Storm No.1 as a key recruit.
The former premiership winner had a standout 2025 season, averaging 127 metres per game and posting career highs in tackle busts and offloads.
Even more importantly, after a much-maligned injury run over his career, he managed to record the most games played in a season since his debut year in 2019.
His departure follows a career that included overcoming a shattered kneecap in 2023 and returning to top form, regarded as one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent NRL history.
Papenhuyzen’s future remains uncertain. While links to R360 have emerged, he has not confirmed any next step and would command a significant NRL contract on the open market.
Storm fullback Sua Fa’alogo, contracted until 2028, is widely expected to step into the No.1 role for the 2026 season and was seen as the Storm’s backup plan should they fail to retain Papenhuyzen.
The Melbourne Storm now face the challenge of replacing a player who was instrumental in both attack and defence for over half a decade, while also needing to stave off interest in other stars, including captain Cameron Munster, who only has one season remaining on his contract.
While some questioned the Storm’s ability to retain all of their core superstars, nobody expected Papenhuyzen to not see out his contract and play in the purple and gold in 2026.
It is a swift and remarkable turn of events that could trigger an avalanche of changes, not just at the Storm but elsewhere in rugby league and possibly in R360.