Ryan Papenhuyzen in brutal development ahead of 2023 NRL season

The Melbourne Storm have copped some unwelcome news with the 2022 NRL season right around the corner regarding star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen. The 24-year-old, who broke his kneecap midway through last season, will potentially not be available until eight weeks into this season as he continues to recover from the devastating injury.

It's a telling blow for the Storm, with Papenhuyzen emerging as a crucial piece of the team in the years after the likes of Cameron Smith and Billy Slater retiring, as well as the likes of Brandon Smith switching clubs in the off-season. Papenhuyzen had ventured to the United States to consult expert Bill Knowles on his recovery, the doctor who also consulted with Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic.

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The club revealed Papenhuyzen would not be available until roughly rounds six to eight, depending on how his continued recovery and rehabilitation eventuates. Nick Meaney is expected to start at fullback when the Storm take on New Zealand in a trial match this week.

The news comes after Justin Olam was injured in last weekend's trial against the Sydney Roosters, with the centre ruled out for six week with a fractured forearm. Fellow centre George Jennings is now unlikely to return until round four from last year's ACL rupture, while Marion Seve is also in doubt for the start of the season with a knee injury.

It is likely to leave Grant Anderson starting the season at centre, with rookie Jack Howarth another option to debut. Melbourne also confirmed that recruit Tariq Sims had suffered a calf injury in the pre-season, but was some hope of being fit for the early rounds.

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Meanwhile, Reece Walsh's eagerly awaited NRL debut for Brisbane could be delayed after scans confirmed a fractured eye socket for the livewire fullback. When he returns to action, Walsh says he intends to implement key areas of club legend Darren Lockyer's style into his play.

The No.1 suffered the facial injury in the 24-all draw with Gold Coast in Sunday's NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash. Broncos' head of performance Dave Ballard said the orbital floor fracture would not require surgery but that he'd be in doubt for the season opener against premiers Penrith on March 3.

"Reece's recovery will be monitored in the weeks ahead before a decision is made on his availability for the opening round of the competition," he said. Walsh was allowed to leave Red Hill for the Warriors in 2021, blitzing his debut season and only missing a State of Origin debut because of injury.

He was allowed to end that contract early on compassionate grounds, Brisbane welcoming Walsh back as a key point of difference as they seek a finals return in 2023. The 20-year-old showed plenty of that on the Sunshine Coast against the Titans, scoring an early try and setting up another in the first half.

Lockyer transitioned from fullback to five-eighth with equal aplomb and Walsh has the same left-foot kick and vision to put players into holes like the Queensland legend did.

with AAP

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