The Melbourne Storm are suddenly on the lookout for a new fullback after confirmation Ryan Papenhuyzen had been granted an immediate release from his contract.

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While there is a clear replacement in waiting at the club already, with Sua Fa’alogo contracted until the end of the 2028 season, it is still a major change considering Papehuyzen had established himself as a foundational piece in Melbourne since making his NRL debut in 2019.

Here, foxsports.com.au looks at the burning questions to come out of Thursday’s big development, from what it means for both Papenhuyzen and Melbourne to where he could land in 2026.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR PAPENHUYZEN?

For now, Papenhuyzen’s immediate playing future is up in the air after Melbourne said in its statement that he would “take a break from the game” to “consider his future”.

Papenhuyzen had been heavily linked to R360 ever since late July, when he reportedly met with high-profile figures behind the breakaway rugby competition in Melbourne.

While Papenhuyzen could also sign a contract with an NRL rival, it is hard to see there being many better situations out there than the one he was in at Melbourne.

After all, he had a chance of winning another premiership given the Storm had maintained the core playing group that has now made back-to-back grand final appearances.

Speaking to foxsports.com.au in February ahead of the new season, Papenhuyzen said being around the same playing group would “definitely” play a role in his future contract call.

“It’s a big driver for me, we have a good group that believes in growth. If we can keep that group together, we all want to chase the same goals, then why not,” he said.

However, Papenhuyzen also explained that he had to question his motivation for playing rugby league in the first place before deciding to stay with the Storm and decline rival offers.

In the end, again, he came to the conclusion that trying to taste premiership glory with his long-time Melbourne teammates was front of mind.

“I want to be in Melbourne and I want to play for the Storm,” he said at the time.

“At the end of the day that was it, I had to sit back and reflect on what I really wanted to do.

“After experiencing a premiership in 2020, you just want to chase that feeling again and do it with the group you’ve worked so hard with.

“Yeah, you could go and win premierships at other clubs. But you’ve put in all those tough years, it’s seven or eight years I’ve been down here in Melbourne.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen is leaving the Storm. Pictures: Adam HeadSource: News Corp Australia

As for what could have changed that mindset Papenhuyzen had at the start of the year, outside of links to the R360 league, there weren’t any other factors that had his immediate future at Melbourne in doubt.

However, a cryptic social media post earlier in the month hinted a decision could be coming.

“Real peace is an inside job,” Papenhuyzen posted to Instagram.

“It comes from understanding that the game, and this life, will never go exactly as you plan. It comes from understanding that there are forces at play that are beyond you.

“It comes from one quiet truth: You gave it everything you had. That’s always a victory.”

Should Papenhuyzen end up with R360, it will be interesting to see if the floodgates open despite the NRL’s threats of 10-year bans.

Other NRL stars who have been linked to R360, or at least as players of interest for the competition’s organisers, are Zac Lomax, Payne Haas, Jye Gray, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Will Kennedy, Dom Young, Josh Addo-Carr, Reece Walsh, Nathan Cleary, Xavier Coates and Deine Mariner.

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COULD HE END UP AT ANOTHER NRL CLUB?

While Papenhuyzen has been widely linked to the rebel R360, is it possible the fullback assesses his options closer to home and stays in the NRL.

If that is the case, it’s somewhat risky on Papenhuyzen’s part as no other position group is as set around the league as fullback is.

It’s a golden ear for the No.1s in the NRL with nearly each team possessing a stud fullback.

If Papenhuyzen does consider staying in the NRL, teams like the Sharks, Bulldogs, Warriors and even the incoming Perth Bears could come calling.

Those are four teams he’d be a walk-up starter in.

There are a handful of other clubs though who might be looking to upgrade at the position.

These include the Dragons, who have an aging Clint Gutherson at the back.

The Cowboys may present themselves as an option. While Scott Drinkwater is brilliant in attack, too often defence lets him down and while that would still obviously be even more of an issue defending in the front-line, he could move to five-eighth and shift Tom Dearden to halfback to accommodate such a move.

The Tigers, meanwhile, may also be looking for a fullback if the rumours around Jahream Bula’s potential exit next year come to fruition.

Where could Papenhuyzen end up? (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

WHAT HAPPENS AT MELBOURNE NOW?

A player of Papenhuyzen’s ilk leaving the club is a huge loss no matter which way you look at it… but it’s not like the Storm don’t have options.

The exciting Sua Fa’alogo has been waiting in the wings for a consistent opportunity at fullback, which is his preferred position, and is the biggest winner of Thursday’s news.

In a season cut short by injury, he played in just seven NRL games, starting on the wing in six of them.

He’s been so electric when he’s been at the back for the Storm in the past, but has been stuck behind Papenhuyzen.

Nick Meaney is another option at fullback for Craig Bellamy, although to accommodate Fa’alogo, you’d think Craig Bellamy will keep Meaney at right centre.

While the Storm are likely content with who they have on their books to replace Papenhuyzen in 2026, there is a chance that they are big players in free agency post the November 1 deadline.

After all, not only do they now have Papenhuyzen’s money to work with but they also recently released forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

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Cowboys star Jaxon Purdue has been one player linked to the Storm.

The versatile Purdue can play a range of positions but burst onto the NRL scene in the centres.

However, his best position might end up being fullback according to his agent Sam Ayoub.

He has represented Queensland under 19s wearing the Maroons’ No. 1 jersey.

“He wants to play wherever the coach plays him. He’s played fullback, centres, in the halves… He’s potentially an outstanding fullback,” Ayoub said.

Meanwhile, Gold Coast Titans captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui is also set to test the open market and had been linked with a potential return to Melbourne.

“I love the Titans and I want to win there and change the club, but an NRL career is short. As much as my heart is on the Coast, you’ve got to be smart too and use your brain,” Fa’asuamaleaui told CODE Sports.

With the Gold Coast not looking any closer to contending for a title, a Storm reunion would appeal and now Melbourne has more money to throw at Fa’asuamaleaui.