He has been linked with a move to the Parramatta Eels in the past.
The Melbourne Storm have offered a contract extension to superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen as they look to bounce back after their loss to the Panthers in the 2024 NRL Grand Final.
Papenhuyzen is currently contracted until the end of the 2025 NRL season, but if he doesn’t sign an extension, he could become one of the league’s most sought-after free agents when the open market begins on November 1. Despite battling injuries over the past two years, he remains one of the game’s top fullbacks. He was even linked with a potential move to the Parramatta Eels earlier this season, before they signed Isaiah Iongi.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Melbourne Storm owner Matt Tripp confirmed that the club has offered Papenhuyzen a three-year contract extension to secure his future with the team beyond 2025.
Ryan Papenhuyzen, currently earning around $950,000 per season, is expected to receive a new deal worth approximately $3 million as Melbourne Storm aim to secure their position as one of the NRL’s dominant teams over the coming seasons.
Storm owner Matt Tripp acknowledged that Papenhuyzen has the right to explore the open market but emphasized the value of stability and continuity that Melbourne offers, even if their financial package may not be the highest.
“It’s his right if he wants to test the open market. So be it, that’s fine,” Tripp said. “But I think he will acknowledge that while our offer might not match others in terms of dollars, that consistency and continuity piece is going to be important to him.
“Off the field, I’m not sure many players have more third-party deals than Paps. Everyone wants him to market their products.
“You have to be careful what you wish for. We’ve had players leave for bigger dollars and suddenly they’re missing out on Origin and rep footy, which adds up in terms of financial impact.”
The decision to offer Ryan Papenhuyzen a contract extension could have significant long-term implications for the Melbourne Storm, particularly regarding rising star Sua Fa’alogo. Reports suggest the club has a verbal agreement with Fa’alogo’s management to revisit his contract situation if Papenhuyzen extends his stay.
“Matt Tripp, the Storm chairman, has a verbal understanding with Sua Fa’alogo’s manager, Liam Ayoub, that if Papenhuyzen opts to extend, they will sit back down and review Fa’alogo’s contract,” journalist Michael Chammas explained on Triple M’s *The Saturday Scrum*.
While this is not a formal clause in Fa’alogo’s contract and isn’t legally binding, it raises the question of whether Melbourne will honor the agreement. Meanwhile, other clubs are reportedly interested in Fa’alogo, eager to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding his future.
From the outside, it may appear that Sua Fa’alogo and Ryan Papenhuyzen are rivals competing for the No.1 jersey, with the rookie looking to overtake the veteran fullback. However, their relationship is quite different.
“Playing with him, it’s an honour,” Fa’alogo told *Zero Tackle* earlier this year. “I’m always grateful to play alongside Paps. He’s a great leader for our team, and I learn so much from him.”
Fa’alogo expressed deep appreciation for Papenhuyzen’s mentorship, particularly during Papenhuyzen’s injury struggles. “I always thank Paps for everything he’s done for me. When he was injured, he always messaged me before games, giving me the confidence to go out there and play.”