Ryan Papenhuyzen reports shut down in scathing Melbourne Storm response

The Melbourne Storm have come out and blasted media reports that claimed the club was open to offers for Ryan Papenhuyzen after speculation has swirled over the injured star's future this week. Papenhuyzen suffered another long-term injury after breaking his ankle in just his third game back from a shattered knee cap.

Reports linking Papenhuyzen with an NRL rival come after the meteoric rise of Storm young gun Sualauvi Faalogo, who is set for a significant contract upgrade after starring for Samoa in the recent Pacific Championship Test series. Storm bosses have already started working on at least doubling the budding star's pay as they intend on upgrading him into the club's top 30 for the 2024 season.

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However, after Papenhuyzen publicly addressed the reports surrounding his Storm future, the club have released a statement blasting the claims and said they have no intention of letting the star fullback leave.

"At no stage has any Storm official made contact with another club directly or via a third party regarding an early release of Ryan from his contract," the statement reads. "Other than one text message, the Club has not been contacted for comment or clarification on the matter.

"On that one occasion, the journalist was told unequivocally that the story was factually untrue. Paps is a Melbourne Storm person, he is loved by his teammates, coaches and staff and adored by Storm members and fans across the country and we look forward to seeing him on the track when he resumes training in December."

Ryan Papenhuyzen addresses shock reports

While the reports swirled, Papenhuyzen appeared to also be left in the dark over the claims he could be on the move. And the fullback addressed the reports in an interview when he doubled down on his value to the club.

“I guess it’s someone at the club’s job to do, so no hard feelings there, I know my value at the club," Papenhuyzen told Fox Sports News Australia. “I know what I have to offer and if they don’t see it then they don’t see that. But I know plenty of people who do. I’ve just got to keep doing what I need to do to get back and play and I’m confident when I do get back playing that those reports will go away.

"It’s only natural, it’s only business, obviously Sua has been playing good footy and Meaney played really well this year so it was inevitable to happen, but at the same time it gives you that motivation to come back and prove them wrong.”

Despite suffering the broken ankle, Papenhuyzen is expected to return to training before the start of the season and potentially be ready for round 1.

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