Ryan Papenhuyzen released from Melbourne Storm NRL contract effective immediately

Ryan Papenhuyzen has played his last game for the Melbourne Storm, walking away from the final year of his contract, with club chair Matt Tripp revealing the full-back’s future plans.

Ryan Papenhuyzen has played his last game for the Storm. Picture: Adam Head

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Ryan Papenhuyzen has played his last game for the Melbourne Storm after being granted an immediate release to consider his future.

This masthead understands that Papenhuyzen met Storm owner and chair Matt Tripp on Wednesday night, where it was agreed that he would be released from the final year of his deal.

Papenhuyzen, who has been widely linked with rebel rugby competition R360, has been a fixture at the Storm during a highly successful period for the club.

He had one year remaining on his deal with an option for a further season, but has opted to become the second Storm player to depart in two days, following Jonah Pezet signing with Parramatta for next year before he is due to join the Brisbane Broncos on a long-term deal.

Ryan Papenhuyzen has played his last game for the Storm. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

The Storm have Sua Faalogo waiting in the wings to play fullback, who is signed until the end of the 2028 season.

But they have also been linked with North Queensland youngster Jaxon Purdue, who is off contract at the end of next season and yet to strike a new deal with the Cowboys.

Regardless of who plays fullback moving forward, the Storm suddenly have money to spend given Papenhuyzen’s departure comes hot on the heels of the exit of forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

“I’ve loved my time at Melbourne Storm,” Papenhuyzen said.

“I’ve enjoyed close to a decade of incredible memories and experiences in the purple jersey.

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“Playing in front of the Storm fans every week has made my time in Melbourne something I’ll never forget.

“I want to thank the club for their understanding and support throughout this process. I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and staff for all their love and support, it’s been a privilege playing footy and working with you.”

Melbourne Storm Chairman Matt Tripp added: “Ryan has shown great character and resilience throughout his time at our club, and we’ve loved watching him develop into the player and person that he is today.

Papenhuyzen has paid tribute to the Storm. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

“We’re obviously disappointed that his time at Storm has come to an end, but we respect his decision to take some time away from professional sport.

“We thank Ryan for his enormous contribution to our club. He departs Storm as a premiership player and Clive Churchill Medallist with 113 games to his name. We wish Ryan the very best for the next chapter in his life and career.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen talks with Reece Walsh after this month’s NRL grand final against the Broncos, his final game for the Storm. Picture: Adam Head

Papenhuyzen triggered fears from loyal fans that he could be about to walk away from the game three weeks ago with a cryptic social media post.

“Real peace is an inside job,’’ Papenhuyzen posted to Instagram.

“It comes from understanding that the game, and this life, will never go exactly as you plan.

“It comes from understanding that there are forces at play that are beyond you.

“It comes from one quiet truth:

“You gave it everything you had.

“That’s always a victory.’’

Papenhuyzen has been Melbourne’s first choice No.1 since his second season in the top grade in 2020, when fullback Jahrome Hughes shifted to halfback.

That was the same year the Storm last won the premiership, defeating Penrith in Cameron Smith’s last hurrah before retiring.

Papenhuyzen has since been considered an integral part of the Storm’s ‘Big Four’ alongside skipper Harry Grant and halves Cameron Munster and Hughes.

Melbourne’s big four is no more. Papenhuyzen with Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster. Picture: Michael Klein

After overcoming a series of injuries, the 27-year-old had one of his best seasons this year, averaging 127 metres a game and hitting career-highs in tackle busts (85) and offloads (20).

In 2023, Papenhuyzen completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent NRL history, having overcome a shattered kneecap and nagging doubt following a collision with then-Canberra star Jack Wighton more than a year earlier.

“There were some dark days for sure,” Papenhuyzen said.

Papenhuyzen’s bombshell continues a flurry of NRL transfer market activity.

South Sydney on Wednesday confirmed the signing of Gold Coast forward David Fifita on a two-year deal, while Daly Cherry-Evans is due to march into the Sydney Roosters’ Moore Park headquarters next week to finally be unveiled as their signing for next season.

Originally published as Ryan Papenhuyzen released from Melbourne Storm NRL contract effective immediately