Melbourne Storm star bursts through for insane 85m try
Melbourne Storm excitement machine Ryan Papenhuyzen has produced a try of the year contender, but any excitement was tempered by what will likely be a serious knee injury to prop Christian Welch.
The rookie burst through the Wests Tigers defence to register an incredible 85m try.
Leaving defenders in the dust, Papenhuyzen showed an impressive turn of speed to record a crucial try for the Storm.
Once plying his trade for the Tigers in their under-20s side, Papenhuyzen firmed as a fan favourite among Storm fans for his sensational effort.
@ryanpapenhuyzen looks electric ⚡️#NRLStormTigers
— FISOVII (@MotownFizzy) May 16, 2019
Gee this @ryanpapenhuyzen is an impressive rugby league player!
— Glenn A. (@ascottgr) May 16, 2019
Feel free to send Ryan Papenhuyzen to Brisbane if you can’t find a place for him when Hughes comes back Melbourne thanks #NRLStormTigers
— Tom (@t87672801) May 16, 2019
Ryan Papenhuyzen is the Storm’s third choice fullback. That’s just unfair. #NRLStormTigers
— The Word (@theword) May 16, 2019
Unfortunately for the Storm, they also received a crushing blow, with the Storm confirming Christian Welch had suffered a suspected ACL injury.
“Sad news from the dressing room. Welchy has suffered a suspected ACL,” the club tweeted.
“He will have further scans to confirm.”
Welch was 18th man for the Maroons in game three last year and was hopeful of breaking into the playing squad, with some consistent performances in the Storm's stellar start to the season.
Welch injured the same knee in round nine in May 2017, which ruled him out of their run to the premiership.
Despite the news, the Storm rallied late to steal a 24-22 victory against the visiting Tigers.
Will Chambers’ late try looked to have sealed the deal, but Cameron Smith missed the conversion.
This resulted in a tense final few minutes for the Storm, as they managed to cling to an unlikely victory.
