Ryan Papenhuyzen‘s early departure from the Storm caused a stir in the NRL world, but club boss Justin Rodski is confident the star is unsure of what his future holds.
Papenhuyzen has been linked to make the move to rebel rugby union tournament R360, with his premature exit from Melbourne only fuelling his rumoured switch more.
The 27-year-old did not shy away from the media after his exit was confirmed, rather informed all he spoke to that he was simply taking a break from rugby league.
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In a post on his Instagram, Papenhuyzen admitted he was eager to “explore life beyond the game“. He then told 9News that he was unsure what 2026 looked like careerwise.
Still, the links to R360 continued to overshadow those comments, with many noting that a release from Melbourne only makes a move to the tournament easier.
Ryan Papenhuyzen in action for the Storm. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Any player who elects to make the move from the NRL to R360 would be hit with a 10-year ban from the league, which would leave Papenhuyzen in danger.
But according Rodski, who worked with the star’s management for a month to decide his release, admitted a move to R360 would be one Papenhuyzen is considering.
“I’ve spoken to him,” Rodski said on SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“He’s still in that period of deciding what he wants to do next and I’m actually not sure which way he is going to go. I’m not convinced he is either.
“R360 is definitely something that he is considering. Whether or not he ends up going there and doing that in the short term, I’m not really sure.”
A contract clause of a mutual option to extend into 2027 had many Storm fans hopeful he would stay put, although that term had to be activated by November 1 this year.
Rodski confirmed there was no hard feelings between the club and Papenhuyzen when the release was finally put in to place.
Papenhuyzen celebrates with Storm teammates after scoring a try. Mike Owen via Getty Images
However, he did understand that many fans would be surprised by the decision.
“In terms of reaction, I think initially, quite a lot of our fans were pretty shocked,” he said.
“But ultimately, he’s been an incredible player for the club, (he’s) a cult hero here, and he’s very generous with the fans, whether it be post-game or on social media.
“He’s built a really strong connection with the Storm … we made sure we really celebrated his career and his time here.
“It was very mutual in the end that we parted ways, so he kind of goes with our blessing but he leaves here as a premiership player and Clive Churchill Medallist and ultimately will always be a part of the Melbourne Storm family.
“We move forward now and look at opportunities for players to come in, step up and play a role in that fullback position.”
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