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Ryan Papenhuyzen called out for clever move as glaring Craig Bellamy and Harry Grant detail emerges

The Melbourne fullback's expected deal says a lot about the future of the Storm.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·5-min read

Ryan Papenhuyzen has been praised for a clever move with the fullback set to sign a one-year contract extension with the Storm, although it places Craig Bellamy and Harry Grant's futures in question. After weeks of NRL speculation, Papenhuyzen is reportedly set to sign a one-year extension to stay in Melbourne, according to The Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday, on an $800,000 deal.

Papenhuyzen will be taking a pay cut, compared to his current deal, but admitted on Tuesday money was not a major factor in his decision for his next deal. With the Bulldogs having a real crack at signing the 26-year-old from Melbourne his decision to only extend by one-year has raised eyebrows.

Ryan Papenhuyzen's (pictured far left) expected one-year extension at the Melbourne Storm has been labelled a clever move with the futures of Craig Bellamy (pictured right) and Harry Grant (pictured middle) undecided at the club. (Getty Images)
Ryan Papenhuyzen's (pictured far left) expected one-year extension at the Melbourne Storm has been labelled a clever move with the futures of Craig Bellamy (pictured right) and Harry Grant (pictured middle) undecided at the club. (Getty Images)

However, looking closely at the decision and it could be seen as clever by both parties. Papenhuyzen's position as a starter at the club is no certainty with many suggesting Sua Fa'alogo could be the long-term fullback.

The 26-year-old is one of the best No.1's in the game and if Papenhuyzen stays fit there are few better fullbacks in the competition. But is facing pressure to perform to keep his position in the starting side from the young prodigy.

Ryan Papenhuyzen during training.
Ryan Papenhuyzen (pictured) is expected to sign a one-year extension with the Storm raising questions over the futures of coach Craig Bellamy and Harry Grant.

And signing a one-year contract extension allows Papenhuyzen to weigh-up his position in the squad in two years. Papenhuyzen might also be afforded more bargaining power if he proves he is the undisputed No.1 for the Melbourne Storm.

Roosters great Brian Fletcher admitted he felt it was a good bit of business from Papenhuyzen. "I know he is backing himself...He could have got more money but he is showing faith in the Melbourne Storm. I think he has done the right thing," Fletcher said on SEN Radio.

There is also the NRL broadcast deal ending in 2026. The NRL signed a $400 million deal with Foxtel, Nine Entertainment and other networks until the end of 2027. The NRL will be looking to sign a new boosted broadcast deal before it expires, which will ultimately boost the salary cap for each club.

Papenhuyzen will be looking to sign a new extended contract after 2026 and clubs will be aware they will be coming into more money in 2027 and beyond. This could see Papenhuyzen bide his time and boost his next long-term contract.

Ryan Papenhuyzen celebrates with Harry Grant.
Ryan Papenhuyzen (pictured left) Harry Grant (pictured right) are both off contract at the Storm at the end of the 2026 season.

While speculation runs wild over Papenhuyzen's reported one-year extension, the main reason could be down to the futures of coach Bellamy, Grant and Jahrome Hughes. Bellamy signed a five-year deal with the Storm in 2022. However, part of the deal allows him to decide each year if he wants to remain as head coach or move into a different role.

Craig Bellamy during training.
Craig Bellamy (pictured) is yet to make a decision on whether he will coach beyond 2026.

Arguably the Storm's two best players Grant and Hughes are also out of contract at the end of 2026. The Storm could look very different in two years if Hughes returns to New Zealand or Grant looks to return to Queensland.

Papenhuyzen recently said he was waiting to see what happened with recruitment at the Melbourne Storm before making a big decision. "We’ve just had a couple of people leave lately, and I’m waiting to see who we can get in those positions to fill in," he said on Triple M’s 'Rush Hour with JB & Billy'. "Definitely more than a thinking decision than money. I’ve never been off-contract, so it’s quite a new feeling. I think a decision will come before the season. I know the effect it has on your teammates by dragging it out."

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And it appears Papenhuyzen has also signed a contract at Melbourne to wait and see what happens with the best players at the club. Papenhuyzen was open about wanting to win more NRL premierships. Melbourne will head into the 2025 season as one of the favourites. But all could change if they lose Hughes and Grant after 2026.

SEN Radio host Jimmy Smith claimed it was a clever deal from the Storm and Papenhuyzen with a number of players coming off contract. “Absolutely brilliant from the Melbourne Storm in the way they’ve been able to play this out,” Smith said.

“You’ve (Storm) got him for 2025 and now 2026 so they can see what his level of consistency is over the next 12 to 18 months, and that would determine how long the extension is if they choose to be in the market for him after that. They may be able to offer him top dollar after that because we know Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant are off contract at the end of 2026.”