Melbourne Storm reveal horrific extent of Ryan Papenhuyzen injury
Melbourne Storm have revealed star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen shattered his knee cap in 10 seperate places during the horror incident in the Raiders match.
Club chief executive Justin Rodski said the Storm would look for a replacement in the market after Papenhuyzen's season came to an abrupt end after the horrible incident in Melbourne's 20-16 loss to Canberra on the weekend.
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He was immediately taken from the field in excruciating pain and has successfully undergone surgery.
"He broke his kneecap in, I think, 10 places so it was a pretty brutal injury," Rodski told SEN.
"His recovery time is somewhere around three months so we won't see him again this year unfortunately.
"They have put pins and clips that stay inside your knee and it can heal really quickly."
The flying fullback joins Xavier Coates, George Jennings and Reimis Smith on Craig Bellamy's long-term injury list.
Melbourne also recorded their third consecutive loss, the fourth-longest streak in the club's history, sparking concern within the club.
With the next clash against a resurgent South Sydney team this weekend, Rodski said the club would look into the market for immediate replacements.
"We'll be stretched in terms of our depth," he said.
"We've got one more list spot to fill and we are working through our options.
"An outside back is key for us moving forward with Papenhuyzen now out.
"It's going to be a challenge but if anyone can do it, it's Craig Bellamy."
Cameron Smith questions Storm's defence
The Storm missed 41 tackles against the Raiders, marking the first time since 2002 that the club has missed more than 40 tackles in three-consecutive games.
Club legend Cameron Smith pinpointed the atypical defensive performances from the Storm following three consecutive losses.
“When you look at their last three games, they’ve lost three in a row,” Smith said on Monday.
“But when you look at stats alone over the last three games their stats are OK. Their completion rates are quite high, their running metres are good, they’re doing the right things with the football.
“I just don’t think their defence is up to scratch.
“It’s not the typical Melbourne Storm where they’re usually, and have been for a long time, a very hard side to score against.
“There’s way too many points being conceded for Melbourne."
with AAP
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