‘Awesome’ scenes as Ryan Papenhuyzen’s 405-day nightmare ends

One of the NRL’s flashiest stars has finally escaped his purgatory, coming back from “one of the most brutal NRL injuries seen in years”.

Great scenes at AAMI Park. Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Melbourne Storm have all but locked up a top four spot for the NRL finals after putting the Gold Coast Titans away 37-16.

But while top four berth could be locked up as soon as tomorrow — if the Raiders lose to the Broncos and Sharks lose to the Knights — it wasn’t the biggest news of the day for the Victorians.

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In round 18 2022, Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen fractured his knee cap into pieces in what was termed “one of the most brutal NRL injuries seen in years”.

While he finally returned to the field through the lower grades earlier this month, he was finally called back to the NRL.

Coming off the bench in the final 20 minutes, Papenhuyzen made seven runs for 53m including 17 post-contact metres as well as seven tackles. He also made an error, gave away a penalty and a ruck infringement.

Warren Smith said: “Ryan Papenhuyzen has the crowd in raptures.”

HE'S BACK BABY!

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Wonderful scenes. Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

His injection into a roving role through the middle of the ruck also saw the Storm outscore the Titans 19-0 to finally put the game to bed.

But regardless of the stats, in his first match in 405 days, it can be considered a successful return for the Storm livewire.

When Papenhuyzen lined up to run on, the crowd went wild cheering the comeback star.

Papenhuyzen’s looked relieved after the match.

“It was awesome, I can’t believe the crowd, honestly,” Papenhuyzen told Fox Sports after the match.

“I came to watch a few of the Matildas games here and that was loud but that was outstanding. Massive thank you to everyone who came out today.

“It’s just great to be back, it’s a good feeling.”

Asked if he thought this day would come, Papenhuyzen replied: “I did but it had its setbacks with it. As I got closer towards it, it got further away I just had to hang in there and it’s definitely worth it, I’ll tell you that much.

“All those dark days you have, throw back ‘em out here on AAMI Park and with a team like this, I’m just lucky to be picked. And lucky I’m back to be playing.”

Papenhuyzen was grateful for the support. Photo: Fox Sports

Papenhuyzen singled out thanks for Storm assistant physio Liam Robinson who went to America with him.

He added there were some “really dark days” and Robinson helped encourage him to overcome the obstacles and make his return.

“The support from everyone … genuinely feel like everyone wanted me to come back and all the messages, it’s unbelievable,” Papenhuyzen said.

“I’m so grateful and I’ll try to get back to everyone but everyone at home who did send me messages, thank you so much. It’s quite an unbelievable feeling to be back and without your support, I don’t think I would have been able to do it.”

Papenhuyzen said that coming back through the Queensland Cup helped settle the nerves about being back out on the field and gave him the confidence that his body could hold up under the stress of NRL football.

“Sitting on the bench is different, I haven’t done it since the start of my career, but I’ll do whatever I can for this team,” he said.

“It’s a special team again this year and Means (Nick Meaney) has done an outstanding job all year. I don’t want to upset the applecart but definitely being in the 17 and these boys made my job easy.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen made his anticipated return. Credit: NRL Images.

Storm star Cameron Munster said the atmosphere was “massive”.

“The big cheer, the roar, I really honestly thought someone like Elton John or something was here,” Munster said. “It was obviously a great crowd, obviously wanted to come here for Papps, and he wanted to blow the cobwebs out.

“It’s good to see him back, I’m sure he’ll be in the next few weeks and I hope we get him back on his feet and play the footy we know he can play.”

Munster said that Papenhuyzen could be a utility-type player for the rest of the season, as Nick Meaney has performed well in Papenhuyzen’s absence and they don’t want to put too much pressure on him after such a long lay-off.

Coach Craig Bellamy confirmed as much in his post-match press conference.

“The supporters gave him a reception there,” Bellamy said.

“He did a good job. We didn’t have a plan for him … we didn’t know what the role was going to be.”

“We’ve just got to work out what his best role is for us, here on out.”

Originally published as ‘Awesome’ scenes as Ryan Papenhuyzen’s 405-day nightmare ends