‘Obviously I’m really sad’: Emma MacDonald opens up on separation from Ryan Papenhuyzen

Emma MacDonald says her separation from Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen came as a “curveball” and has left her having to move cities.

Emma MacDonald and Ryan Papenhuyzen have split. Picture: Instagram

Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen is back on the market after a surprise split from his partner Emma MacDonald.

MacDonald, who moved to Melbourne last year to be with the NRL favourite, revealed on Wednesday that life had thrown a curveball and she was back in Sydney apartment hunting.

The Sydney influencer posted to TikTok that it was a “big shock”.

“Get ready with me to go apartment hunting in Sydney,’’ she began.

MacDonald moved to Melbourne last year to be with Papenhuyzen. Picture: Jason Edwards

“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.”

In another video MacDonald wrote that everything happens for a reason and she was grateful for an amazing online community that would get her through.

MacDonald says ‘it’s a big shock, it’s a big change’. Picture: Instagram

She is now looking for an apartment in Sydney. Picture: Instagram

“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 wrote: “If I didn’t start posting I wouldn’t have this amazing community to get me through this. Reading all ur comments genuinely is making me feel SO much better. I am forever grateful for you all, wish I could repay u all.”

Papenhuyzen and MacDonald started dating early last year and she soon moved to be with her rugby league beau.

“I’m moving out of home for the first time ever,” the influencer told her followers.

“I’m getting a little apartment in Melbourne and it’s going to be such an exciting new chapter. 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.”

They had stepped out together at the Melbourne Storm player of the year awards night at Crown after last year’s grand final.

“I love it here,” she told the Herald Sun on the purple carpet.

“The shopping is really good. I didn’t know much about League, but I’m learning.”

Originally published as ‘Obviously I’m really sad’: Emma MacDonald opens up on separation from Ryan Papenhuyzen