Ronaldo Mulitalo caught in sad fallout amid Ryan Papenhuyzen development at Cronulla Sharks

Ryan Papenhuyzen may be linked to a number of clubs over a possible exit from the Melbourne Storm but speculation over a Sharks move has raised questions around how he will be welcomed if players are forced out. Papenhuyzen left the NRL world stunned having freed himself up to negotiate with rival clubs after appearing to be left wanting by the Storm's contract offer.

The Storm offered Papenhuyzen a smaller deal than expected, which would see him go from $950,000 to $750,000 per season if he wants to stay in Melbourne. The 26-year-old has not accepted the Storm's offer and is now able to negotiate with rival clubs. And having been heavily linked with the Eels and Bulldogs, the Sharks have emerged as a potential destination for the electric fullback.

Craig Fitzgibbon could be looking to reshuffle his team having not made it past the first round of NRL finals in a number of attempts. While there are talks Nicho Hynes could move back to fullback, it appears Will Kennedy's future at the club is in limbo as he is off contract in 2026.

This could see the Sharks make a play for Papenhuyzen with some freed up money in their salary cap. Former NSW and Wests Tigers forward Aaron Woods believes Papenhuyzen will see out his contract - finishing next year - and will move on because the Storm are keen to promote some of the younger talent. This includes young superstar Sua Fa'alogo.

"I reckon, he will stay for this year. But he will probably look elsewhere. Because they are trying to keep young Jonah Pezet. They have Fa'alogo in the lower grades who is going to be a superstar," Woods said on Triple M Radio.

However, reports have emerged that Kennedy and winger Ronaldo Mulitalo might need to leave for a $1 million offer for Papenhuyzen to be possible. Woods has claimed the Sharks playing group may not be thrilled with talk of Mulitalo's exit, with the winger a popular figure in Cronulla.

"The Sharks, that came out of nowhere," he added. "They are happy for Will Kennedy to move on. If they sign Ryan Papenhuzyen, he is not going there for a small sum of money. They are going to lose Ronaldo Mulitalo as well. And I know around the boys, club, the area, he is well loved. So that is going to be a huge loss."

Sua Fa'alogo dilemma for the Melbourne Storm

Craig Bellamy would be keen for Papenhuyzen to stay at the Storm with the spine of Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and Papenhuyzen gelling last year. Three of the four are tied up in longer contracts, which leaves Papenhuyzen as the last straw. While Sua Fa'alogo could replace Papenhuyzen if he departs, former Penrith winger Josh Mansour does not think Papenhuyzen will pass up the chance of winning a premiership with Melbourne in the next few years.

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"That is a weird one," Mansour said on Triple M on the Papenhuyzen links. "No doubt he is a classy player, but why would you want to leave the Melbourne Storm. They are in a premiership window.

"You have to think Melbourne would be favourites to win the premiership next season. They have got a star line-up, in terms of the spine, Papenhuyzen, Munster, Hughes and Grant. That is a spine you want to be a part of for so many seasons."

Cronulla looking to switch Nicho Hynes to fullback?

Hynes played fullback when he was a utility for the Storm, but hasn't played in the No.1 jersey for quite some time. The halfback was heavily criticised for his form after State of Origin last year with Braydon Trindall seemingly taking over most of the playmaking duties.

While many are sceptical of Hynes' ability to play fullback, the move might be necessary if the Sharks can't land Papenhuyzen. The Sharks might need to throw close to $1 million at Papenhuyzen to lure him away from Melbourne and reporter Michael Chammas believes Kennedy's future at the club could be in limbo.