Ryan Papenhuyzen has declared he won’t be returning to the field in 2026.

The 27-year-old superstar made a shock decision after the 2025 season came to a close, walking out on a contract worth north of $900,000 per-year at the Storm.

Papenhuyzen was being heavily targeted by rebel rugby competition R360 and it was widely reported he would make a lucrative code switch in the New Year.

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However, R360’s start date was postponed to 2028, with Papenhuyzen unsure if he will ever return to professional sport with a gap year on the horizon.

“I want to do something a bit different and throw myself into something I’m a bit uncomfortable with, and see if I enjoy that,” Papenhuyzen said to Code Sports.

“Life’s only short. If I’m my 80-year-old self right looking back right now, what’s something I would regret not doing? It’s probably taking a chance and not doing something else. That’s been the decision making process.

NRL 2025 RD27 Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm – Ryan Papenhuyzen, HIA NRL PHOTOSSource: The Daily Telegraph

“Once (the R360 delay) came out, everyone said, ‘what are you going to do now?’ The plan was to have a year off and try a few different things.

“The plan doesn’t change for me, maybe more for Lomax.”

Papenhuyzen has reportedly taken up mentoring, hoping to help young athletes with the mental side of professional sports.

However, he also explained he still supported the R360 concept, with it being “only a positive” the competition was delayed.

Papenhuyzen also said the swirling rumours regarding his future were a “circus” with touch football one avenue he could explore.

“All my mates and family think I’ve signed something somewhere,” Papenhuyzen said. “I’m like, ‘I’m just not playing’.

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“I’ve been up in Sydney, I had a wedding in Wollongong the other day so everyone thought I’d signed with the Dragons.

“Until next year rolls around and I’m not at a team, that’s when everyone will probably believe me. It’s a circus right?

“I know I’ll miss it at some point, but I’m really enjoying this stuff now. I’ll use (next) year as a blank canvas and I might find another interest, and that could be the new career.

“I’ve been in rugby league for 10 years now, sport for 10 years … why not try something else and pivot? There’s always an option to come back.”

DRAGONS LAND DOGS PLAYMAKER

The Dragons have landed young gun playmaker Joseph O’Neill, handing him a development contract after he was released by the Bulldogs.

The 22-year-old won a Jersey Flegg premiership with Canterbury in 2023, making his NSW Cup debut that year and going on to make 42 reserve grade appearances.

The Bulldogs released a short statement on Wednesday confirming O’Neill departure, saying: “The Bulldogs wish Joseph, and his family, all the best for the future”.

Two hours later, O’Neill’s Red V arrival was confirmed, adding to the Dragons’ playmaking depth.

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“Joseph is talented, young player and we’re excited to be able to bring him to the Dragons,” Shane Flanagan said in a club statement.

“He’s had plenty of success coming through the grades at the Bulldogs and is eager to continue to prove himself.

“He’s hard-working and he’s passionate about his footy. He provides us with some more valuable depth in the halves. It’ll be good for him to meet the rest of the squad and really hit the ground running this preseason.”