Melbourne Storm rocked by Ryan Papenhuyzen injury in NRL bloodbath

The Storm have hammered a dismal Manly side but at what cost, with their star fullback set for yet another stint on the sidelines.

Ryan Papenhuyzen could once again be set for yet another stint on the sidelines after he was injured in the Storm’s thumping victory over the Sea Eagles on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne suffered a shock defeat to the Dragons last week and they did everything in their power to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.

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The Storm had not lost back-to-back games for two seasons and in that period averaged 38 points in matches after they tasted defeat.

And after a six-minute blitz in the first half, where they scored three converted tries it was clear that record would continue.

In a one-sided affair, Melbourne blew away Manly 48-24, with the scoreline if anything flattering the hosts.

However, it may have come at a cost, with superstar fullback Papenhuyzen coming off the field with a hamstring issue.

Following the match Melbourne medical staff said the fullback was suffering hamstring tightness, but even that would likely see him spend several weeks on the sidelines.

‘NRL Physio’ Brien Seeney wrote on X: “Ryan Papenhuyzen has come from the field with reported ‘hamstring tightness’.

“The crazy weekend of hamstring injuries continues. As with the others, any structural damage (even a minor strain) would usually result in a 2-4 week return to play. Hopefully a precautionary move.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen came off with hamstring tightness in the Storm's win over the Sea Eagles. Image: Getty/Kayo

On ABC Sport after the game, Papenhuyzen played down the injury saying: “It’s all good. It was a bit of my glute. I went up for that kick in the corner there. Not sure who came through, but they got me, straight knee in the ass! Big corkie.”

But if it is as the Melbourne medical staff suggest, hamstring tightness, Papenhuyzen could once again be sidelined for several weeks.

It comes after the 26-year-old returned from a horror few years of injuries last year to rack up 20 appearances for the Storm – the first time since 2020 he managed to reach that mark in a single season.

However, even going into 2025 he was under an injury cloud, with a knee and ankle problem.

Papenhuyzen managed to overcome that injury concern to be declared fit for Round 1 and so far in 2025, he has been on fire, scoring five tries in the Storm’s opening four games.

But regardless of the extent of the injury, Melbourne will likely err on the side of caution for at least next week if there is any damage to the fullback’s hamstring given his extensive injury history.