‘Explore life beyond the game’: Papenhuyzen opens up about quitting Storm and NRL

Ryan Papenhuyzen has broken his silence about his decision to quit the Melbourne Storm and rugby league, declaring: “I’ve come to a point in my career where I’d like to explore life beyond the game I’ve dedicated myself to.”

The Storm star and fan favourite stunned the league world on Thursday when he walked away from the remaining year on his contract worth around $925,000.

The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with rebel rugby competition R360, which does not start for another 12 months, and is yet to be formally given the green light to commence.

Papenhuyzen took to social media late Friday to address his rapid exit, and made it clear he would never forget the friendships he forged in the Victorian capital.

“First of all, I just want to thank everyone who’s reached out over the past 24 hours; whether you are a Storm fan or not, the support and love shown has been overwhelming and massively appreciated,” Papenhuyzen posted to his 240,000 Instagram followers.

“All I ever wanted to do as a kid was to play one game in the NRL.

“To not only achieve that dream, but to do it with one of the best sporting franchises in the country, with some of the best to ever play the game, has been something I’ll always be proud of.

“The memories I have created and lessons learnt will be invaluable going forward.

“For now I’ve decided to take a break and explore the next chapter of my life.

“I’m well and healthy, but I’ve come to a point in my career where I’d like to explore life beyond the game I’ve dedicated myself to.

“It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s an important one for me.

“To the entire Storm family … players, coaches, staff, fans, thank you.

“It’s impossible to put into words the impact you’ve all had on me. Since the day I arrived, I’ve been challenged to grow, and no doubt, you’ve all played a huge role in shaping the person I am today.

“I’m not sure what lies ahead, but I know I’ll give whatever it is a good crack. Your support and love will always be appreciated. Here’s to the next chapter.”

The Storm have now lost Papenhuyzen, prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona and playmaker Jonah Pezet less than a month after their grand final loss to the Broncos, and will now have a $1m-plus war chest to spend on the open market.

One name that continues to be linked to the club is Titans forward and former Storm premiership winner Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

Papenhuyzen finished with 113 games, and was hugely popular with young fans because of his speed, friendly nature and blond mullet.

On the same day Papenhuyzen addressed his next move, fellow R360 target, Jye Gray, moved a step closer to re-committing to South Sydney.

Papenhuyzen quits Storm

Adrian Proszenko

Ryan Papenhuyzen has played his last game for Melbourne after the Storm granted him an immediate release.

Papenhuyzen had a year to run on his current contract, but decided to take a break from the game to consider his future. The 27-year-old, who made 113 NRL appearances for Melbourne, has been linked to proposed breakaway competition Rugby 360.

“I’ve loved my time at Melbourne Storm,” Papenhuyzen said, “I’ve enjoyed close to a decade of incredible memories and experiences in the purple jersey. Playing in front of the Storm fans every week has made my time in Melbourne something I’ll never forget.

“I want to thank the club for their understanding and support throughout this process. I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and staff for all their love and support, it’s been a privilege playing footy and working with you.”

Papenhuyzen prompted speculation that he was poised to leave Melbourne after a recent cryptic social media post.

“Real peace is an inside job,” Papenhuyzen posted to Instagram.

“It comes from understanding that the game, and this life, will never go exactly as you plan. It comes from understanding that there are forces at play that are beyond you.

“It comes from one quiet truth: You gave it everything you had. That’s always a victory.”

Papenhuyzen scored 635 career points during his Storm stint, ranking him sixth on the club’s all-time points scorers list. His 36-point performance against the Wests Tigers in round 10 this year remains the highest points scored by a Storm player in a match.

“Ryan has shown great character and resilience throughout his time at our club, and we’ve loved watching him develop into the player and person that he is today,” said Storm chairman Matt Tripp.

“We’re obviously disappointed that his time at Storm has come to an end, but we respect his decision to take some time away from professional sport.

“We thank Ryan for his enormous contribution to our club. He departs Storm as a premiership player and Clive Churchill Medallist with 113 games to his name. We wish Ryan the very best for the next chapter in his life and career.”

David Fifita and Wayne Bennett to reunite at South Sydney

Scott Bailey

David Fifita’s move to South Sydney is complete with the Rabbitohs announcing the Gold Coast star’s imminent arrival for 2026 and 2027.

Fifita was officially released by the Titans on Tuesday, bringing to an end his dramatic five-year stint with the club.

That has paved the way for his arrival at the Rabbitohs for the start of pre-season next month, where he will be reunited with coach Wayne Bennett.

One of the most destructive players in the competition when at his best, Fifita managed only eight NRL games in 2025.

The 25-year-old has long toyed with the idea of heading south, after opting out of a deal with the Sydney Roosters last year.

The Titans are expected to chip in part of Fifita’s salary at the Rabbitohs, with a roster clean-out continuing under new coach Josh Hannay.

“The club wants to see David happy and playing football and a new opportunity will give him a chance to do that,” Hannay said.

“The entire club wish him well moving forward.”

Signed to Gold Coast on a lucrative deal for 2021, Fifita played 90 games in a stint often clouded by questions over his future.

He came off the bench in six of his eight games this year, and was at one stage dropped back to Queensland Cup before requiring ankle surgery.

He briefly returned to the NRL, before needing further surgery.

It was Bennett who debuted Fifita as a teenager at Brisbane in 2018, before the pair found themselves at different clubs over the past seven seasons.

When asked about the prospect of signing Fifita earlier this year, Bennett labelled him a “rare talent” who the game “hadn’t seen the best of” yet.

AAP

Rabbitohs star stood down

The NRL has applied its no-fault stand-down rule to Tyrone Munro after the South Sydney winger was charged with domestic violence offences.

Police charged Munro with multiple domestic violence offences – assault occasioning actual bodily harm, stalk/intimidate with intent of fear or physical harm and common assault – over an alleged incident near Homebush earlier this year.

Munro’s lawyer, Elias Tabchouri, indicated that his client would plead not guilty when the matter is mentioned in Burwood Local Court on Thursday.

“The National Rugby League [NRL] has advised South Sydney Rabbitohs player Tyrone Munro he is subject to the No-Fault Stand Down condition under the NRL Rules,” the NRL said in a statement.

“The NRL is aware that NSW Police charged Munro with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical or mental harm on October 14, 2025.

“The decision should in no way be interpreted as a view on the innocence or guilt of the player. Under the condition, Munro is not permitted to participate in the NRL competition or related competitions.”

The no-fault stand-down rule is applied to players facing charges that carry a maximum jail sentence of 11 years or more, though the NRL has discretion to apply to cases that don’t meet the threshold.

Munro is considered a rising star, but it is now unclear if and when he will be able to add to his 19 NRL appearances.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. For crisis support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au. For alcohol and drug support call 1800 250 015 │ counsellingonline.org.au. For gambling support, call 1800 858 858.