Influencer in ‘shock’ after break-up with NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen

One of the NRL’s most popular couples have split, with an influencer revealing the “really sad” news in an emotional update.

Influencer Emma MacDonald has cryptically opened up on her “unexpected” split from NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen, saying the heartbreaking news came as a “big shock”.

The popular couple went public with their relationship last year and appeared to be going from strength to strength, but this week MacDonald revealed she was moving back from Melbourne to Sydney.

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“Get ready with me to go apartment hunting in Sydney,” MacDonald said on her TikTok.

“Yes you have that right. Basically, I am moving back to Sydney.

“Obviously it’s a big shock, it’s a big change, very unexpected, but I am so excited to be back in Sydney with my friends and my family.

“The way I look at it, it’s a good thing and a whole new chapter, where I can just focus on myself and grow by myself as a person.

“I feel like this was a very vague update. I’m actually really excited for this next chapter.

“If you guys have followed me, you might have noticed I feel like I’d lost my love and spark for social media.”

Ryan Papenhuzen and Emma MacDonald.

The news of the shock break-up took many of her followers by surprise.

One person commented: “Pls tell me u and paps did not break up” while another said: “Oh no did you and Ryan break up”.

MacDonald shared several videos of her “apartment hunting” in Sydney as she came to terms with the surprise move.

“Life has really thrown a curveball and we’re finding a new place to live,’’ she said.

“I’m not gonna lie to you guys, obviously I’m really sad, but what are you gonna do.”

She captioned another post: “So soppy but truly everything happens for a reason.

“If I didn’t start posting I wouldn’t have this amazing community to get me through this. Reading all your comments genuinely is making me feel SO much better.

“I am forever grateful for you all, wish I could repay you.”

Papenhuyzen and MacDonald in the Melbourne Storm sheds. Photo: Instagram.

The couple in happier times. Photo: Instagram.

Both MacDonald and Papenhuyzen still have photos with each up on their Instagram accounts, with the couple pictured in the Storm changerooms just last month.

MacDonald had moved to Melbourne to be closer to Papenhuyzen, 26, who is contracted with the Storm until the end of the 2026 season.

“My boyfriend is actually the reason why I’m moving. I’m moving in by myself but I’m moving to be closer to him,” she said last year.

MacDonald had even recently appeared on the 167 Podcast hosted by Papenhuyzen and fellow Storm stars Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes in a lighthearted segment featuring the players’ partners.

In the podcast episode released in March, MacDonald threw Papenhuyzen under the bus when he was asked what was the worst present he had got her.

“I didn’t get her flowers for Valentine’s Day, so probably that,” Papenhuzen laughed.

MacDonald said: “Worst present? He’s pretty good at presents to be fair. Oh I know, on Valentine’s Day he didn’t get me flowers.”

Hughes chimed in: “No flowers on Valentine’s Day, that’s bad bro.”

Papenhuyzen has enjoyed a solid start to the season for the Storm, who remain the NRL premiership favourites despite a golden point loss to the Canberra Raiders at Magic Round last weekend.

Papenhuyzen kicked a go-ahead field goal in the dying stages of regulation time but the goal was taken off the Storm when the Bunker pinged forward Trent Liero for foul play in the tackle right before the field goal.

Originally published as Influencer in ‘shock’ after break-up with NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen