Speed kills for Storm’s Papenhuyzen
The Storm No 1 capped what was perhaps the greatest night of his career with the Clive Churchill Medal.
Josh Addo-Carr leaned forward to plant a kiss on the cheek of Ryan Papenhuyzen as Melbourne captain Cameron Smith lifted the premiership trophy for the third and possibly last time in his glittering career. No doubt, most of his teammates wanted to follow Addo-Carr’s lead.
Smith took much of the plaudits as he led the Melbourne Storm to a premiership in what could be his final game of rugby league, but Papenhuyzen deserved at the very least to share the headlines.
The Storm No 1 capped what was perhaps the greatest night of his career with the Clive Churchill Medal and a place in the NSW squad for the upcoming State of Origin series.
Free to leave Melbourne at the start of last season, when he was considered third in line for the Storm No 1 jersey, he has now become indispensable.
A genuine matchwinner who is closing on James Tedesco as the best fullback in the game.
Papenhuyzen tormented Penrith at ANZ Stadium last night, his blistering 80m effort five minutes after halftime eventually proving the difference between the sides.
From a centre-field scrum, Papenhuyzen got on the outside of Panthers playmaker Nathan Cleary and the inside of Tyrone May. He put foot down and there was no catching him when he was in the clear.
Speed kills in rugby league. It certainly killed Penrith. Those 80m counted towards more than 180m that Papenhuyzen ran for as he produced an all-action performance to inspire the Storm to victory.
His try broke the back of Penrith and inevitably proved the difference as the Storm capped a season unlike any other with a win that cemented Papenhuyzen as a genuine superstar.
Melbourne officials have already indicated they will sit down with Papenhuyzen in the off-season to extend a deal that has two years to run, such is the respect for him in the Victorian capital. “I was pretty emotional on the field straight after the game,” Papenhuyzen said.
“I have calmed a bit down now and am really soaking in the moment. It is special what we have done this year and celebrate that way. I am really proud of everyone.”
Bellamy added: “Paps wasn’t the first choice when Billy retired. To see he has the medal hanging around his head tonight, it is not an easy thing to do.”
Papenhuyzen deserved the medal. State of Origin is next on his agenda and with Tedesco in doubt for the opening game of the series, NSW coach Brad Fittler suddenly has an embarrassment of riches. Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson finished second in the Dally M medal and shapes as one option.
Papenhuyzen may have eclipsed him with the way he played on Sunday night.
He tormented Penrith in the grand final and he would no doubted the same to Queensland if given the chance.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary conceded Papenhuyzen’s effort was the breaking point for his side.
“Hard to believe we were 22-0 at halftime,” Cleary said.
“To concede the first try after halftime, that was what we didn’t want.”
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