The Melbourne Storm have announced Ryan Papenhuyzen has been released from the final year of his contract with growing speculation the club could make a play for Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. Papenhuyzen’s future in the NRL has been a huge talking point since the grand final with suggestions R360 was making a play at the fullback.
Papenhuyzen was contracted to the Storm for the 2026 season, but the 27-year-old had also been linked to a move to the Perth Bears when they enter the competition in 2027. And only weeks after losing the NRL grand final to the Brisbane Broncos, the Storm released a statement announcing Papenhuyzen has been granted a release.
“Melbourne Storm has granted Ryan Papenhuyzen a release from the remainder of his playing contract, effective immediately,” it read. ” Papenhuyzen, who has a year to run on his current contract, has decided to take a break away from the game to consider his future.”
The Melbourne Storm have announced Ryan Papenhuyzen (pictured left) has been released from the final year of his contract with fans linking the club to a move for Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (pictured middle). (Images: Getty Images)
Melbourne Storm Chairman Matt Tripp said he was ‘disappointed’ with the outcome, but wanted to give Papenhuyzen the opportunity to explore his options. “Ryan has shown great character and resilience throughout his time at our Club, and we’ve loved watching him develop into the player and person that he is today. We’re obviously disappointed that his time at Storm has come to an end, but we respect his decision to take some time away from professional sport,” he said in a statement.
“We thank Ryan for his enormous contribution to our Club. He departs Storm as a Premiership player and Clive Churchill Medallist with 113 games to his name. We wish Ryan the very best for the next chapter in his life and career.” Papenhuyzen’s release has left fans in shock with the fullback’s future now in limbo.
Plenty of fans have been left stunned with Papenhuyzen’s sudden exit. While he was linked with R360 and the Perth Bears, he still had one more year on his contract.
The fullback scored 15 tries in 21 games for Melbourne this year and helped get them to the grand final. While there were calls for Sua Fa’alogo to get a run at fullback, Papenhuyzen was Craig Bellamy’s preferred option in the No.1 jersey. And the Storm will have a different fullback in 2026 with fans wishing Papenhuyzen all the best on his next move.
Could Storm make Tino Fa’asuamaleaui play?
The Storm have now released Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jonah Pezet from their contracts, which will free up plenty of cash in the salary cap down the line. And with Papenhuyzen also walking away from an estimated $900,000 deal in the final year of his contract, Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy could make a big-money play for Queensland Origin star Fa’asuamaleaui.
The Titans captain admitted that he will test the NRL open market, which is expected to spark a frenzy. While he is waiting to see how the new changes at the Titans unfold, the movement at the Storm could very well prompt the club to make a play for Fa’asuamaleaui going forward. Tino is signed with the Titans on a $1.1 million-a-season deal until the end of 2033 but a clause in the contract means he can speak with rival clubs from November about a move in 2027.
Ryan Papenhuyzen thanks Melbourne Storm
Speaking on his exit, Papenhuyzen thanked the club, which he joined in 2017. “I want to thank the club for their understanding and support throughout this process,” Papenhuyzen said.
“I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and staff for all their love and support, it’s been a privilege playing footy and working with you. I’ve loved my time at Melbourne Storm. I’ve enjoyed close to a decade of incredible memories and experiences in the purple jersey.”
Ryan Papenhuyzen (pictured) has been released from the final year of his contract at the Melbourne Storm.