Champion Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen announced as the face of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase

Ace Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will be the face of the 2024 Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase.

The Melbourne Storm’s qualifying final against the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday afternoon could serve as the perfect springboard towards a memorable month for superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen.

And after a horror two years with injuries, no one would deny the 2020 Clive Churchill medalist an uninterrupted run through to another potential grand final tilt on the first Sunday in October.

It was in the first week of finals last year that Papenhuyzen dislocated his ankle just three games back from a gut-wrenching 13-month layoff after shattering his kneecap.

But with a wretched run of setbacks now behind him, Papenhuyzen returns to the grand stage on Saturday, hellbent on making up for lost time.

“It’s pretty refreshing to be going into the finals fit and healthy and with the team going well,” Papenhuyzen said.

“We’re all locked in mentally and I know the main thing for me personally is to get out there and play my role.

“The last few years have been a rollercoaster and being on the sidelines during the big games definitely makes you appreciate it more and fuels the desire.

Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen launches Punt Like Paps ahead of the Million Dollar Chase

“We’re the only show on in Melbourne this weekend so we’re going to have plenty of support.”

Directly after Papenhuyzen rounds out his 2024 NRL commitments, the dynamite number 1 will quickly shift his attention to his second love of greyhound racing, where he’s again signed on to be the face of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase.

But not just content with being at the forefront of the $1m-to-the-winner event, Papenhuyzen has a genuine chance of living the ultimate dream, sharing in the ownership of series hopeful Nangar Larry.

At Goulburn last Friday, the prolific winning chaser stamped his semi-final ticket in sensational fashion and is now just one win away from a grand final berth in the world’s richest greyhound race.

“We thought a month or so ago his best might have been behind him but he’s really turned the corner - he’s going fantastic,” Papenhuyzen said.

“The more I learn about the greyhounds the more you see they are like any athlete. When their confidence is up they can ride it and keep it going and with Larry we’re seeing that now.

“I try not to get too carried away about what he might do but when you look at his price for the Million Dollar Chase you see the bookies are giving him a chance.

“A bit of belief and momentum goes a long way.”

Fuelling the attraction of attending this year’s Million Dollar Chase is the ‘Punt With Paps’ competition that will see 10 lucky trackside attendees have the chance to win $100,000.

During final night on Friday, October 18, 10 winning ticket holders will attempt to kick a league ball 40 metres into a wheelie bin to secure the rich prize.

The Ryan Papenhuyzen part-owned Nangar Larry has already booked a semi-final place in the lucrative MDC series

“I had a few goes at it the other week and got closer with the blindfold on then I did off,” he quipped.

“It won’t be easy but it’s not impossible. You see in the NBA every now and then someone will hit a halfcourt shot at halftime so it’s not unlike that.

“Million Dollar Chase night last year was a great atmosphere and I can see this competition only adding to this year’s event.

“I can wait for the Million Dollar Chase but for now the focus is on a big few weeks with the Storm.”

Originally published as Champion Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen announced as the face of the Ladbrokes Million Dollar Chase