Ryan Papenhuyzen returns to NRL action as Melbourne Storm face brutal call on Sua Fa'alogo
The Storm fullback will make his return to action after another horrible ankle injury.
Ruyan Papenhuyzen will return to NRL action this weekend with Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy now facing a tough call on exciting fullback Sua Fa'alogo. NRL fans were left devastated when Papenhuyzen went down injured again, clutching at his troublesome right ankle, during the round nine game at the beginning of May.
Papenhuyzen limped off the field having suffered a fracture above the plate in his right ankle, which was put in after his broken ankle at the end of last year. The 26-year-old fullback was expected to miss around four to six weeks due to the minor fracture.
In his place, exciting talent Fa'alogo moved to fullback and has shown he is a future prospect for the Storm having signed a five-year deal with Melbourne. Since entering the team in round nine, Fa'alogo has scored three tries in six appearances.
Last week in Melbourne's 38-24 win over the Warriors, Fa'alogo arguably had his best game in a Storm jersey. He scored two tries, made two linebreaks and ran for 147 metres. While Fa'alogo has been impressive, Papenhuyzen was brilliant to start 2024 with seven tries in eight appearances.
And after Papenhuyzen returned to training a couple of weeks ago, the fullback has been named for their round 16 return clash on Friday night. Bellamy has opted to throw Fa'alogo on the wing to replace Xavier Coates.
The winger will miss round 16 due to his inclusion in the Maroons side to face the Blues next Wednesday. Papenhuyzen's inclusion will come at the right time for the Storm this week with an outside back position up for grabs. When Coates returns from Origin duties it could cause more of a selection drama in round 17.
However, with Fa'alogo making way for Papenhuyzen, the young fullback might find himself battling for a starting role once again in the Storm outfit. There is little doubts Papenhuyzen, when fully fit, is the No.1 for the Storm. Although calls are growing for Bellamy to find a position for Fa'alogo in the backline with the Storm surging to top spot on the ladder at the end of round 15.
Ryan Papenhuyzen amid contract negotiations
Papenhuyzen returned at the start of 2024 and was working his way into the frame for Origin selection calls again before his latest injury. The 26-year-old only played eight games before going down again. This will be a worry for Storm fans with the extremely popular fullback entering contract negotiations with Melbourne.
Papenhuyzen is off contract at the end of next year. He would arguably be the biggest name in the NRL to ope contract negotiations with rival clubs on November 1 if it comes to that. The club believe Fa'alogo and Papenhuyzen can both work together in the Storm system.
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However, after Fa'alogo's run of form in recent weeks, and Papenhuyzen's pending return, Bellamy will need to make a call on how to get the best out of both superstars heading into the finals. Melbourne CEO Matt Tripp admitted earlier this year to The Sydney Morning Herald the Storm would push the negotiations with Papenhuyzen.
