Melbourne Storm has today announced the signing of youngster Ryan Papenhuyzen for the next three years.
A promising fullback who can also play in the halves, Papenhuyzen has represented NSW at both Under 16s and Under 18s level and was also selected for the Australian Schoolboys in 2015.
The 18-year-old is currently part of the Wests Tigers Under-20s program and will join Melbourne at the end of the 2017 season.
Papenhuyzen is highly regarded by the Club’s recruitment staff who have been impressed with what he has shown in the early stages of his career.
Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said the Club was delighted to welcome Ryan to the Club:
“We believe Ryan has the potential to have a bright future here at the Melbourne Storm,” Ponissi said.
“We look forward to Ryan joining us at the end of the year and seeing him work hard to further develop his game under the guidance of Craig Bellamy and our coaching staff.”
Storm 2026 Player Movements
| 2026 Gains |
| Jack Hetherington (Newcastle Knights, 2026), Davvy Moale (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2026), Trent Toelau (Penrith Panthers, 2026), Manaia Waitere (Canberra Raiders, 2027) |
| 2026 Losses |
| Grant Anderson (Brisbane Broncos), Bronson Garlick (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Dean Ieremia (Gold Coast Titans), Ryan Papenhuyzen (released), Jonah Pezet (Parramatta Eels) |
| Re-Signed |
| Harry Grant (2028) |
| Off Contract 2026 |
| Shawn Blore, Jack Hetherington, Tui Kamikamica, Trent Toelau, Will Warbrick |
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