Ryan Papenhuyzen may be linked to a number of clubs over a possible exit from the Melbourne Storm but speculation over a Sharks move has raised questions around how he will be welcomed if players are forced out. Papenhuyzen left the NRL world stunned having freed himself up to negotiate with rival clubs after appearing to be left wanting by the Storm’s contract offer.
The Storm offered Papenhuyzen a smaller deal than expected, which would see him go from $950,000 to $750,000 per season if he wants to stay in Melbourne. The 26-year-old has not accepted the Storm’s offer and is now able to negotiate with rival clubs. And having been heavily linked with the Eels and Bulldogs, the Sharks have emerged as a potential destination for the electric fullback.
Craig Fitzgibbon could be looking to reshuffle his team having not made it past the first round of NRL finals in a number of attempts. While there are talks Nicho Hynes could move back to fullback, it appears Will Kennedy’s future at the club is in limbo as he is off contract in 2026.
This could see the Sharks make a play for Papenhuyzen with some freed up money in their salary cap. Former NSW and Wests Tigers forward Aaron Woods believes Papenhuyzen will see out his contract – finishing next year – and will move on because the Storm are keen to promote some of the younger talent. This includes young superstar Sua Fa’alogo.
“I reckon, he will stay for this year. But he will probably look elsewhere. Because they are trying to keep young Jonah Pezet. They have Fa’alogo in the lower grades who is going to be a superstar,” Woods said on Triple M Radio.
However, reports have emerged that Kennedy and wingerRonaldo Mulitalo might need to leave for a $1 million offer for Papenhuyzen to be possible. Woods has claimed the Sharks playing group may not be thrilled with talk of Mulitalo’s exit, with the winger a popular figure in Cronulla.
“The Sharks, that came out of nowhere,” he added. “They are happy for Will Kennedy to move on. If they sign Ryan Papenhuzyen, he is not going there for a small sum of money. They are going to lose Ronaldo Mulitalo as well. And I know around the boys, club, the area, he is well loved. So that is going to be a huge loss.”
