Melbourne Storm edging closer to re-signing Ryan Papenhuyzen
Following a stunning breakout season that produced similar numbers to James Tedesco when starting, Melbourne are desperately seeking to re-sign star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen.
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Melbourne Storm hopes to secure fullback sensation Ryan Papenhuyzen on a multi-year deal before the November 1 transfer window opens.
Rival clubs can table official offers to potential 2021 free agents next month.
As Storm grapples with the possibility of contracted captain Cameron Smith hanging up the boots, the preliminary finalist is said to be well down the path to retain Papenhuyzen and avoid a high stakes contract stalemate.
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The 21 year-old would be one of the most sought-after potential free agents after a breakout 2019 campaign.
Papenhuyzen mirrored Dally M medalist James Tedesco in the nine games he started as Storm fullback, with an average 217 run metres, 51 tackle busts and 13 line-breaks.
The speedster, who played off the bench early in the season, scored nine tries in 22 matches.
Storm would not be drawn on the contract status of its players on Friday.
But the Herald Sun confirmed the club would not place Smith under any pressure to disclose his intentions despite heightened speculation about retirement.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy said Smith’s future was “up in the air” this week.
“Two or three weeks ago I was pretty confident he would play again next year but on Mad Monday, and sometimes you are affected by a couple of drinks, but perhaps he might not have been thinking that way,” Bellamy said after being named Dally M coach of the year.
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Contracted Storm halfback Brodie Croft continues to weigh up his future, while premiership stalwart Will Chambers has been linked to a return to rugby union.
Storm has 16 players off contract at the end of 2020, including Suliasi Vunivalu, Kenny Bromwich, Justin Olam, Tui Kamikamica and Max King.
Melbourne is likely to part with one prized piece of Bellamy’s premiership puzzle in order to remain salary cap complaint and accommodate upgrades to the likes of Papenhuyzen.
Originally published as Melbourne Storm edging closer to re-signing Ryan Papenhuyzen