Ryan Papenhuyzen in classy act for Storm youngster after brutal pre-season moment

Ryan Papenhuyzen has shown why he is loved within the Melbourne colours after a classy moment for youngster Keagan Russell-Smith in the NRL pre season challenge. The NRL lost it over Papenhuyzen's electric return to rugby league after dislocating his ankle at the end of last year.

While Papenhuyzen appeared touch-and-go to start in round one for the season, there appears no doubt the Storm fullback will be ready after setting up a try and scoring one himself in Melbourne's 24-12 loss to the Bulldogs on Thursday night.

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And while all eyes were on Papenhuyzen, it was a missed moment from the fullback towards youngster Russell-Smith that shows his value to the team. Despite only being 25 years old, Papenhuyzen has been around the club since 2017 and is considered a leader.

Papenhuyzen led the team on Thursday night and was on hand to boost Russell-Smith's morale after a horror moment for the first try. The Storm were defending the line when the ball hit the deck and was passed out to Blake Wilson on the wing.

From a standing start, Wilson put on a step and managed to fool the 20-year-old and score on the outside. The promising youngster - who won the Storm's academy player of the year award in 2023 - dropped his head after the failed tackle in an audition for coach Craig Bellamy.

Except Papenhuyzen was on hand to make sure the youngster didn't drop his head after a quick pat on the back and confidence boost. The minor moment is a small detail in the landscape of the team's season, but having Papenhuyzen back alongside the likes of Cameron Munster, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes will be a major boost for the Storm and the players around them.

NRL fans lose it over Ryan Papenhuyzen return

Papenhuyzen has only played three NRL games and six rugby league matches since breaking his knee cap in July 2022 against the Canberra Raiders. His return last year saw him play three games, before dislocating his ankle in horrific scenes.

Papenhuyzen was selected in the extended Blues squad back in 2020, but has been ruled out for representation selection since due to injury. And both Storm and Blues fans will be hoping to see the form of the fullback return in 2024.

And after showcasing his speed back from injury to score a try from a kick-chase, Papenhuyzen admitted he was happy to be nearing full fitness. "Pezet is a really talented kid and I knew he could pull off that kick - I just had to be on the end of it," Papenhuyzen said of his try.

"I feel really quick. My top speed I recorded in 2018. I've hit 94 per cent of that and back then I was 60 kilos and now I'm 83. Whether that's my new top speed or not I don't know, but I feel really confident I can hit it now. It's just nice." NRL fans from all clubs were thrilled to see the much-loved fullback enjoy his footy on the field ahead of the 2024 season.

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