The Melbourne Storm are being linked with a move for Cowboys young gun Jaxon Purdue, following the shock release of Ryan Papenhuyzen. The NRL world was left stunned on Thursday when it emerged that Papenhuyzen had played his last game for the Storm after walking away from the final year of his deal with the club.
The former Clive Churchill Medallist reportedly met with Melbourne owner and chairman Matt Tripp on Wednesday night, when it was agreed Papenhuyzen would be granted an immediate release. The star fullback has been linked with a big-money switch to rebel rugby competition, R360, and he could be a target for the Perth Bears in 2027. But Storm CEO Justin Rodski does not believe Papenhuyzen will move to a rival NRL club.
Ryan Papenhuyzen’s (L) exit at the Storm has seen Melbourne linked with a move for Cowboys young gun Jaxon Purdue (far right).
“I genuinely think it will be playing overseas or not playing at all,” Rodski said on SEN radio. “There has been a lot of speculation about R360 and whether or not Ryan was going to sign with R360, and that could be on the cards as well.
“He may end up signing on with R360, but I just don’t know if that is something he is going to do now. For him professional sport’s not everything, and he came to the realisation that he just wanted to take some time to think about what he wants to do next.”
Papenhuyzen won the Clive Churchill Medal in his first full season at fullback in 2020, and has scored 77 tries in 113 matches for Melbourne. He also battled serious injuries in 2022 and 2023, before returning to the field more regularly for the past two seasons and helping the Storm to two grand finals.
But after defeat to the Broncos in this year’s decider, the 27-year-old has decided it’s the right time to move on. “I want to thank the club for their understanding and support throughout this process,” Papenhuyzen said in a statement.
“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.”
Papenhuyzen’s exit has freed up even more salary cap space at Melbourne, following the release of Nelson Asofa-Solomona earlier this month. Jonah Pezet has also agreed to join Parramatta on a one-year deal next season, before linking with the Broncos on a three-year deal from 2027.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski (L) does not think Ryan Papenhuyzen (R) will join another NRL club after his release from Melbourne. Pic: Getty
Storm linked with Cowboys young gun Jaxon Purdue
Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has already been touted as a big-money target for the Storm in 2027, after the Titans skipper confirmed he would hit the open market on November 1. But News Corp reports that the Storm are eyeing a move for Cowboys young gun Purdue, who could be seen as a potential long-term replacement for Papenhuyzen.
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Melbourne do have Sua Fa’alogo available to play fullback, but Purdue would offer Craig Bellamy’s side even more depth and flexibility and can cover most positions in the backline. Purdue is contracted at the Cowboys until the end of 2026 but is yet to sign an extension and will hit free agency on November 1 as things currently stand.
Cowboys young gun Jaxon Purdue has emerged as a potential target for the Melbourne Storm. Pic: Getty
The 20-year-old’s manager Sam Ayoub told Code Sports earlier this month that Purdue is ‘potentially an outstanding fullback’ but admitted he could stay in North Queensland. However, Papenhuyzen’s exit at the Storm will certainly give the young gun something to think about.
“This talk about November 1 is magnified. It doesn’t mean he’s leaving. I’m sure the Cowboys will show enough interest to ensure he stays there,” Ayoub told Code Sports. “We’re not going to dramatise things or play the media. It’s a matter we’ll deal with at the appropriate time. We like to ensure that players remain loyal to their incumbent clubs in most cases.”