Storm boss speaks out as Ryan Papenhuyzen linked with mega-money team switch
Papenhuyzen does have a 'mutual' option at the Storm for 2027, meaning the fullback could still remain in Melbourne beyond next season if he and the club reach an agreement. But the current situation means Papenhuyzen could be one of the most sought-after free agents from November 1, amid reports the Perth Bears could offer him a record deal to become one of their first marquee stars when they enter the NRL in 2027.
The Storm are also weary of the threat from European rugby, with the northern hemisphere-based R360 competition actively trying to attract some of the world's best footy players, including some from the NRL. Papenhuyzen's name is one that has continually been linked with a mega-money switch to the rebel rugby competition, with Melbourne's CEO addressing the situation on SEN radio on Thursday.
"I don't think anyone has absolute clarity on if it's going to go ahead or if it is, what year that will be," Rodski said. "All the indications are now that they've got the funding, they're starting to build the teams... we're hearing that up to 140 players have signed."
And while he didn't mention Papenhuyzen by name, the Storm CEO said he was aware of interest in a number of Melbourne's players from those associated with R360. "There's definitely some interest in NRL players, including some Melbourne Storm players and I think that's inevitable," he added. "But whether or not a player ends up taking up one of those contracts and moving on from the NRL, I'm not sure."
Storm CEO not concerned about rugby's raid on NRL stars
Warriors veteran Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is another NRL star who's consistently been linked with a big-money code switch, but Melbourne's CEO does not believe the NRL needs to be overly concerned about the overtures from R360. "I don't think it's a massive threat to the game or anything like that. If four, five, six players end up going over and trying it out I don't think it's the end of the world for the code," the Storm CEO said.
"But at the same time if we lose a couple of our big stars and most marketable stars then that's obviously not ideal. It's certainly not something as a league and a code that we'd like to happen. But at the same time I think it's inevitable that some of those key players will be starting to look at it."
Papenhuyzen addressed his NRL future earlier this year and insisted his focus would remain on trying to win another premiership with the Storm. The 27-year-old said he was happy and settled in Melbourne and excited with what coach Craig Bellamy is building at the Storm this season, even if he didn't entirely close the door or a potential switch.
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"I've just got a big focus for winning the premiership and hopefully going back-to-back next year and then we'll see, but you always look forward to your future and see what's happening," Papenhuyzen said at the time. "I'm sure my manager is doing a good job with that and has got it all under control."
'Obviously, there's speculation whenever you're coming off contract, but I'm here right now, I want to win premierships with the Storm, we've got a really good squad and we're really doing something nice. I'm sure when that time comes around my manager will be all over it. But for me, it's just getting back here and trying to be as present as I can."
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