NRL 2021: Ryan Papenhuyzen four tries against Broncos, salutes mentor Billy Slater
Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen says having Billy Slater as a mentor has taken his game to a new level, but insists he still has room for improvement after his four-try haul against the Broncos.
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Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has warned he still has plenty of improvement left in him after his scintillating four-try performance on Friday night.
The fullback sensation torched the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park with a devastating burst in which he scored four tries in just 11 minutes.
He also converted all four tries during the first half, making him the first NRL-NSWRL player to score 24 points in a half since 1980. Although, the modest 22-year-old insisted it was no standout performance.
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“I thought I had some pretty sloppy involvements early on and I threw that pass that led to that first try,” Papenhuyzen said.
“And even throughout the game I just thought I was a little bit off so I just sort of went back to what I sort of pride myself on and push around the ball.
“I got lucky a few times, just anticipating a line break and lucky enough the boys heard me and passed it to me and I just had to finish it off.
“Overall I probably thought I had an OK game, not an outstanding game.
“But I guess four tries just makes it look pretty.”
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said on Friday night he would not swap Papenhuyzen for any other fullback in the NRL.
Although, it will still take some doing to usurp Roosters star James Tedesco for the No.1 jersey for the NSW Blues in this year’s State of Origin series.
Papenhuyzen admitted he was not expecting that call up.
“I think’s he (Tedesco) has got that pretty locked up,” he said. “He’s unreal, he’s a next level player and I think he deserves to kind of keep that.
“Just to be named in the squad I was stoked last year, and I guess it’s the same this year.”
The Storm speedster continues to have access to Melbourne legend Billy Slater, who continues to be a mentor to him.
“Every week I still contact him and he actually usually contacts me and has a few things ... he genuinely wants you to be a good player,” he said.
“I’m so lucky I chose to come to the Storm because probably the little things like that you probably don’t have access to at other clubs.
“Best fullback in the game and he’s willing to share everything, so I’m grateful for it.”
Storm is set to welcome back hooker Harry Grant (knee) for next weekend’s away clash with the Bulldogs, while co-captain Dale Finucane (calf) is less likely.
Originally published as NRL 2021: Ryan Papenhuyzen four tries against Broncos, salutes mentor Billy Slater
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