NRL Market Watch: Ryan Papenhuyzen insists money won’t decide future as Bulldogs circle for Storm star
Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has hit back at claims his salary will determine his playing future amid a big-money lure attempt from the Bulldogs, revealing when a decision on his contract will be made.
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Melbourne superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen has hit back at suggestions his future will be dictated by money and insists he will make a call before the start of the season amid concerns that speculation over his next contract could become a distraction for his teammates.
Papenhuyzen became free to speak to rival clubs when he entered the final year of his deal on November 1 and it is understood the Bulldogs are circling with a big-money offer to lure him back to Sydney.
However, Papenhuyzen revealed his priority was winning another title rather than fattening his bank balance. He has also cryptically suggested he was waiting to see some positions filled at the Storm before making a final call - Melbourne have retained the bulk of their playing squad but lost some key figures in the area of leadership and mentoring, chief among them new Parramatta coach Jason Ryles and AFL great Trent Cotchin.
In the wake of some serious injuries, Papenhuyzen has taken a keen interest in self-development and is regarded as one of the game’s deepest thinkers - he often posts positive messages and inspiring quotes on his social media.
“I want to win premierships,” Papenhuyzen told Triple M’s Rush Hour with JB & Billy.
“I know my career has only got so long in it. You want to be in the best environment where you have got that growth mindset and you have a good roster.
“I am weighing up all those things at the moment. Melbourne definitely do have that, for sure. But we’ve just had a couple of people leave lately and I’m sort of waiting to see who we can get in those positions to fill in.
“So definitely more of a thinking decision, than money. It always plays its part. I have been able to sit down and speak to a few mentors who have said with big decisions you have to take your time with it, don’t rush into it.”
The Storm want to keep Papenhuyzen and have tabled an extension for potentially another three seasons, although it is understood it is a reduction on is existing deal.
The 26-year-old has had well-documented injuries in recent years which have limited his appearances, but he still has the capacity to earn significant money off the field in Victoria.
The Bulldogs are believed to be working in the background to convince him to move to Belmore, where they would offer him a fat salary and the chance to wear the No.1 jersey.
Pictures have emerged in recent days of a young Papenhuyzen wearing a Bulldogs jersey in a photo with club legend Andrew Ryan while a return to Sydney would also give him the opportunity to be closer to his partner, social media influencer Emma MacDonald.
“I’ve still got a year left in Melbourne, so I’m not going anywhere (for 2025),” Papenhuyzen said.
“But as of a year left on your contract, you can start negotiating with other clubs, so there’s a bit of speculation purely based off I haven’t signed anything with the Storm yet.
“It’s pretty hard to avoid all the stuff going around on social media. I guess I haven’t made a decision yet.
“There’s a lot of narrative around it being money, which is quite easy to speculate about, but that’s something I’ve been really strong on the whole time, is it’s not money.”
Papenhuyzen’s decision is set to have big ramifications for the Storm. If he stays, young No.1 Sua Fa’alogo has a verbal agreement in place that would allow him to explore his options on the open market.
If he leaves, the Storm will have plenty of money to spend.
“I’ve never actually been off-contract, so it’s quite a new feeling,” Papenhuyzen said. “I think a decision will come before the season. I don’t think it will drag it into the season.
“I know the effect it has on your teammates by dragging it out. I feel like I will come to a decision before games are played. “Right now, sitting there weighing all options up.”
BULLDOGS RE-SIGN FREE AGENT XERRI
Canterbury star Bronson Xerri is officially a Bulldog until the end of 2027.
Still under contract for next season, Xerri has signed a new, two-year extension.
He was a free agent from November 1 but, as revealed by this masthead earlier this month, Canterbury worked quickly to nail down their strong centre long-term.
Xerri returned to NRL last season from a four-year suspension for testing positive to anabolic steroids.
“We’re extremely happy Bronson has decided to continue his development at the Bulldogs,” said Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo.
“He’s come to the club after a long break from the game, worked extremely hard and earned the respect of his teammates and staff.
“We’re really excited about where Bronson can take his game over the next three years in our program.”
Xerri, 24, scored ten tries in his 19 NRL games this year.
He played four NSW Cup games before claiming a permanent spot in the Bulldogs’ NRL backline.
The Bulldogs website reads: “Xerri is a valued member of the side’s backline, and will be looking to continue his trajectory into 2025.”
Xerri was permitted back into the NRL on November 25 last year.
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