NRL 2023: Ryan Papenhuyzen stars for Sunshine Coast Falcons in rugby league comeback

After more than 380 days on the sidelines, Ryan Papenhuyzen has finally made his rugby league return, and he didn’t miss a beat, playing a key role in the Sunshine Coast Falcons’ win.

Ryan Papenhuyzen making his rugby league return. Picture: Supplied.

Paps is back!

Melbourne Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen made a successful return to the field after more than a year on the sidelines.

Papenhuyzen punched out 40 minutes for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Hostplus Cup club’s 24-10 win against the Ipswich Jets on Saturday night.

There was no sight of Papenhuyzen in open space with his mullet flying in the wind like during his Clive Churchill Medal winning performance in the 2020 NRL grand final.

But there didn’t need to be. It was a drama-free return for Papenhuyzen, 384 days after his knee cap was shattered in a sickening collision with Canberra’s Jack Wighton.

Ryan Papenhuyzen making his rugby league return. Picture: Supplied.

What followed was major surgery and intense rehabilitation as Papenhuyzen fought for the blossoming career that had made him one of the NRL’s most exciting players.

Papenhuyzen, 25, even travelled to the USA to train under renowned reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles as he left no stone unturned to make it back to the top.

As his rehabilitation stalled, and regressed at times, there were fears Papenhuyzen may never play again.

But here he was, gracing a rugby league field once again to give fans hope that he will soon be lighting up the NRL with his blistering speed.

Ryan Papenhuyzen made his QLD Cup return today, and how good is it to see him back out there? 😍

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— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 5, 2023

Papenhuyzen had the first touch of the game when he kicked off for the Falcons and made a committed tackle up in the defensive line.

A perfectly executed short dropout from Papenhuyzen retained possession for Sunshine Coast but he had to wait nearly three minutes to get his hands on the ball.

It took less than seven minutes for Papenhuyzen to link with centre Kane Jackson for the first try of the game and he kicked the goal to give the Falcons a 6-0 lead.

Papenhuyzen had a chance to score himself in the 10th minute but fumbled the ball over the line, much to the dismay of the Sunshine Coast Stadium crowd of more than 2000 that cheered his every touch.

When Falcons winger Sualauvi Faalogo scored in the corner, Papenhuyzen had no issues with the sideline conversion to make it 12-0 and he took on more of the kicking duties when halfback Jayden Nikorima left the field injured.

Papenhuyzen linked up with centre Kane Jackson to set up the first try of the game. Picture NRL photos

The crowd rose as Papenhuyzen loomed up in support following a line break but he was quickly brought down and couldn’t find open space to unleash the mullet.

After getting through the opening half unscathed, kicking two goals and registering a try-assist, Papenhuyzen was given an early shower and will ramp up his return in next Saturday’s game against Norths Devils in Brisbane.

Just how long it is before Papenhuyzen adds to his tally of 69 NRL games remains to be seen, but he will likely need at least a few weeks in the reserves to get moving again.

PAPS WATCH: @storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen appears to have got through his comeback game for Sunshine Coast Falcons unscathed. Kicked a couple of goals, made a few tackles, one half-bust, short drop-outs.

Hasn't come back out in the second half.#NRL

— Travis Meyn (@travismeyn) August 5, 2023

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy may then get the ultimate finals boost for the Storm.

Nick Meaney has done an admirable job at fullback for the Storm this year but the return of Papenhuyzen could give Melbourne some extra premiership punch with the play-offs looming.

If anything, it would allow Meaney to shift into Melbourne’s vulnerable outside backs and give the Storm their full strength spine for the first time in more than a year.

For now, Papenhuyzen can celebrate his successful comeback and enjoy the spoils of thousands of hours of tedious rehabilitation.

Paps is back and it may not be long until he is back at his best.