NRL 2021: Ryan Papenhuyzen in no hurry to sign long-term Melbourne Storm contract

Ryan Papenhuyzen won’t be fast-tracked into signing a long-term Melbourne Storm contract, with the future of one person in particular set to play a crucial role in his decision.

Ryan Papenhuyzen says negotiations between his management and the club are ongoing.

Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has declared he’s in no rush to strike a new deal that will likely make him one of rugby league’s highest paid players.

The Clive Churchill Medallist has been in blistering form over the first two rounds of the season, including a best afield performance in the NRL season opener at AAMI Park.

He’s not out of contract until the end of next season, but Papenhuyzen confirmed initial talks between his management and Storm have begun.

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Ryan Papenhuyzen is content to take a wait-and-see approach with a new contract.

“There have sort of been talks here and there (and) I’m only just dealing with that at the moment,” Papenhuyzen said.

“I’ve still got this year and next year on contract so it is not too much of a rush or a decision that needs to be made (right now).”

It was reported by Fox League last week the future of Storm coach Craig Bellamy looms as crucial in the negotiation.

Storm is trying to convince Bellamy to coach on next year before transitioning to a coaching director beyond that.

Bellamy, who last week declared there was no update on his future, is also entertaining offers from Brisbane and Cronulla.

Ryan Papenhuyzen says negotiations between his management and the club are ongoing.

The gun fullback admitted it would be a factor in deciding whether to commit to Melbourne long-term or return to his home state of NSW.

“He (Bellamy) has obviously helped with my development and I feel like he’s been a big part of that, so I guess it will be a little factor in the decision,” he said.

“At the end of the day I can’t decide that and that’s his decision.

“It would be handy to know, but I’ve still got a couple of years to think about that because I’m still on contract.”

Storm, coming off a last-gasp loss to Parramatta in Round 2, will face Penrith on the road this Thursday night in the grand final rematch.

Craig Bellamy has played a huge part in Ryan Papenhuyzen’s development.

The Panthers are yet to concede a point during the opening two rounds.

“They’ve started really well this season and haven’t had a try or a point scored against them yet, so it’s going to be a tough one,” Papenhuyzen said.

“We’ll have to speak to Bellyache and get him to let us do some more attack this week rather than defence.

“They’ll probably come out and start really fast.”

Originally published as NRL 2021: Ryan Papenhuyzen in no hurry to sign long-term Melbourne Storm contract