NRL 2021: Melbourne Storm re-sign Ryan Papenhuyzen, target Brandon Smith next
Craig Bellamy’s long-term deal at Melbourne was bad news for his coaching suitors. But the flow-on effect for Storm’s NRL rivals could be even worse.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Melbourne Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen has urged club cult hero and teammate Brandon Smith to follow him in extending his time at the NRL powerhouse.
As revealed by the Herald Sun, the Clive Churchill Medallist has signed a new deal at Storm until the end of 2025.
It came just days after coaching great Craig Bellamy committed his long-term future to Storm, turning his back on big offers from Brisbane and Cronulla.
Smith is off contact at the end of next season and the forward is already attracting strong interest from numerous clubs, including the Sydney Roosters, Canterbury and Gold Coast.
Watch The 2021 NRL Telstra Premiership Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >
“Obviously with Dale moving on at the end of the year, it would be a massive signing if we could get the Cheese (Smith) and hopefully he’s got the same mindset as me,” Papenhuyzen said.
“The group is sort of formed now and it would be pretty special if he was to sign on as well.
“And with Bellza (Bellamy) re-signing, hopefully a lot of players will see that and want to come to the Storm.
“And I know Bellza and Cheese have a pretty good relationship and it’s a bit of a love-hate one, so hopefully he can sign and make that happen.”
The born and bred Sydneysider said he was never tempted by the prospect of a move back to New South Wales.
“It’s a bit of a relief now and it’s good I can settle in Melbourne now for another four years,” he said.
“To be honest, it didn’t really cross my mind to explore other options.
“I just think the club and where we’re at and the people here working for us, all that added up and on top of that I’ve pretty much learned everything I know about rugby league down here.
“I still feel like I’ve got a lot to learn and this is a club I’ll play my best footy at.”
Papenhuyzen is set to come off the bench again on Saturday night against Penrith after making his return from concussion last weekend.
“I feel good and it was good to get that out of the way,” he said.
“I’ll be good for the run and hopefully it holds me in good stead for this week.”
PAPENHUYZEN JOINS NRL RICH LIST WITH MEGA DEAL
Melbourne Storm is set to remain an NRL powerhouse for years to come with superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen signing a multimillion-dollar contract extension with the reigning premiers.
News Corp Australia understands the fullback sensation — one of Storm’s main poster boys in the post-Cameron Smith and Billy Slater era — has penned a new mega deal with Melbourne.
It is believed Papenhuyzen — who had another year remaining on his current contract — has completed a deal worth more than $2 million that’ll make him one of the NRL’s highest paid stars.
The new three-year deal will take the Clive Churchill Medallist through until the end of 2025, which makes his the longest current playing contract at the Storm.
The born and bred Sydneysider was just months away from effectively becoming a free agent and open to offers from cashed-up NRL rivals.
It’s been a bumper week for Storm, with the Papenhuyzen extension coming just days after it secured the long-term future of the game’s best coach in Craig Bellamy.
It is no coincidence Papenhuyzen agreed to terms only after learning of Bellamy’s decision to reject offers from Brisbane and Cronulla and stay with Melbourne.
He admitted earlier this season the retention of Bellamy would be a factor when deciding his future.
The key retention of the 23-year-old try-scoring machine means Storm’s superstar spine is all locked away for at least another 12 months.
Playmaker Jahrome Hughes signed earlier this year until the end of 2024, while halves partner Cameron Munster will be in purple until the end of 2023.
Hooker Harry Grant is signed for next year with an option for 2023.
Fellow forward Brandon Smith — who is fielding strong interest from numerous clubs — has another season remaining on his contract and is expected to see out his contract.
Co-Captain Jesse Bromwich, fellow front-rower Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Queensland Origin forward Christian Welch are all off contract at the end of next year.
The signing of Papenhuyzen comes a week after Storm co-captain Dale Finucane announced he’ll join teammate Nicho Hynes in heading to Cronulla next season.
Papenhuyzen made his long-awaited return last weekend following a lengthy lay-off as a result of a concussion during Magic Round.
He played 30 minutes off the bench and is believed to have pulled up well, although he’ll need to get through Friday’s session before being given the green light to face Penrith on Saturday night.
Originally published as NRL 2021: Melbourne Storm re-sign Ryan Papenhuyzen, target Brandon Smith next
Gus’ ‘doctored’ claim ignites NRL conspiracy
The NRL Grand Final’s controversial no try scandal has taken a wild turn despite the game releasing the angle the decision was based on.
Kangaroos selection shocks: NRL legends’ Test careers appear over
Mal Meninga has dropped a major selection bombshell by overlooking both James Tedesco and Kalyn Ponga for Kangaroos selection, with the list of surprise omissions and debutants not ending there. See the full squad.