Ryan Papenhuyzen feels like he’s won lotto as he prepares for Australian debut
Ryan Papenhuyzen was shopped around to rival clubs at the start of the year but there were no takers. But at the World Cup 9s, the Melbourne fullback will demonstrate why he is one of rugby league’s hottest properties.
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Ryan Papenhuyzen reckons he’s walking around with a smile as wide as a Lotto winner.
And who can blame the Storm fullback after what he has achieved this year.
Forget playing representative football at the start of the year. Playing first grade was barely on the radar after Papenhuyzen was relegated to the Storm’s third-best fullback option during the pre-season. He was shopped around to rivals but received little interest.
Next month he will be off-contract for 2021 and will be one of the most in-demand players in the competition.
First, though, Papenhuyzen will show off his blistering speed after being picked in Australia’s nines team to compete in the two-day World Cup tournament starting Friday.
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“There have been little moments where I have reflected on what I’ve achieved this year,” Papenhuyzen said. “I had just told my parents I was picked in the Australian team and was just walking back to my car after getting a coffee and started smiling.
“I just had this crazy feeling out of nowhere. If someone saw me they would’ve thought I won the lotto. Every now and then I’ll have a chuckle looking at the start of the year and how it is now. I’m pretty proud.
“I didn’t know it at the time but I was getting shopped around because the club needed to find space in the cap.
“During the pre-season I was thrown a bit of everywhere because Drinky (Scott Drinkwater) and Hughsey (Jahrome Hughes) were the top fullback choices. I know I can get better.
“I’m trying to ride out the wave of this year and enjoy my footy. Now I have a few games, I want to take it to the next level.”
The 21-year-old made his NRL debut off the bench and spent the first half of the season used largely as an impact player.
His scintillating form made it impossible for Storm coach Craig Bellamy to ignore, with Papenhuyzen starting the final six games at fullback.
The Storm’s rookie of the year had not considered selection for Australia. So much so he should be sunning himself in Bali this week instead of running out at Bankwest Stadium.
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“I didn’t think I was a chance,” Papenhuyzen said. “I had booked a trip to Bali for this week. My mates were messaging me asking if I would be a chance but I kept telling them I would be right to come on the trip.
“When they announced the 9s concept, I thought it would be such a cool thing and the Aussies would have a mad side. I was like, ‘I’ll be so keen to watch it’.
“I don’t even know how to describe being picked.”
Papenhuyzen said he had started contract negotiations with the Storm.
FIVE TO WATCH AT THE 9S
1) Ryan Papenhuyzen, Australia
A relative unknown to start the season but by the end of the year he was among the most exciting players in the competition. One of the fastest players in the game with skill level to boot. Will be a star of this shortened format.
2) George Williams, England
Canberra fans will get a close-up look at the man who will wear the No.7 jersey for them next year. Williams isn’t afraid of scoring a try, either, crossing 15 times in 32 games for Wigan this year. Has a chance in the Nines to play alongside future Raiders teammates Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton.
3) Ronaldo Mulitalo, US
Will be part of the weakest team in Pool A but could still present a few highlight-reel moments. The 19-year-old may have played just eight games this year but the fiery Cronulla winger has already shown he can create something out of nothing.
4) Jason Taumalolo, Tonga
Is almost impossible to stop in a 13-per-side game, so how are teams going to put him down with just nine on the field? Has the best footwork of any big man in the NRL and will no doubt cause plenty of damage.
5) Dylan Brown, New Zealand
Recovered from a serious back injury to show in the second half of the season why he is such an important member of the Eels. His running game is his strength and he will be able to showcase that alongside one of the best runners in the game in Shaun Johnson.