Storm chief executive Justin Rodski says there is growing confidence that superstar full-back Ryan Papenhuyzen will extend his deal beyond 2025 and explained how his potential extension will affect youngster Sua Fa’alogo as the club celebrates three blockbuster home games without AFL will be played. in the city.
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Papenhuyzen has a year left on his contract and has been free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2026 and beyond in recent weeks, but it appears he will stay for at least another season after beating back the Bulldogs who offered him more money.
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The 2020 Clive Churchill Medal winner has always said money will not influence his decision, with the club confident they have convinced him to stay for 2026 after making the most appearances in a season since 2020 able to play thanks to no serious injury. setbacks.
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The Storm are confident that Ryan Papenhuyzen will sign for another 12 months. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
“It’s in a positive position,” Rodski said.
“We are increasingly confident that Ryan will work with us, but we are currently working on those details.
“There are a number of different options on the table as we discuss, but at this stage we are increasingly confident that he will remain in Melbourne and extend his contract with us.”
A long-term extension is still on the cards, but Rodski admitted it was more likely that Papenhuyzen would sign a new one-year contract, which would keep him in the same position this time next year.
“That is one of the options that have been submitted,” he said.
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“I think this is a great option for both the club and the player, and it gives us at least another two years of Ryan Papenhuyzen wearing the Melbourne Storm shirt.
“He is a quality person and quality player, and he thinks he is a quality golfer, but he is someone who has become a very important part of our team and our club.
“He has invested an incredible amount in our culture, he loves Melbourne and we love him. We are hopeful that we will have exciting news in the not so distant future.”
Justin Rodski could face a tough decision if Papenhuyzen decides to stay. Photo: Quinn Rooney/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
If he signs a long-term contract, the Storm could lose livewire fullback Sua Fa’alogo, who shone on his debut in 2023 and had some special moments for the Storm last season.
The minor premiers are desperate to keep the young star, who signed a five-year deal, in Melbourne, but he does have a handshake agreement with the club that he can leave if Papenhuyzen stays.
Rodski stated that the club was not interested in a potential player swap before 2025, but that the Storm could explore something for 2026.
“Sua is an emerging star of the league and he has a long-term contract with us,” he said.
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“Like any team at the top with quality players at its back, it’s great to have developing players pushing for selection. It’s a good problem to have, but we are looking at what positions he can play in because we want him to play in the first grade as much as possible.
“You never know what will happen with injuries and other positions, but I can guarantee you that we will do everything we can to see more of Sua in 2025 and beyond.”
Storm fans won’t have to wait long to see their stars in action, with the grand finalists getting three crucial weeks off in Melbourne, including in Round 1 against the Eels, who are coached by former Storm assistant Jason Ryles.
Xavier Coates scored the try of the season to help the Storm to a thrilling victory over the Warriors. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
The Storm have never lost in Round 1 under Craig Bellamy, and on March 9 there should be a huge crowd for their first match, while there should be a sellout in Round 6 when the Warriors come to town.
There will be no AFL matches in town that weekend with Gather Round being played in South Australia, meaning all eyes will be on the Storm and one of their biggest rivals who played an instant classic this year that ended with a Xavier Coates stunner to break Warriors hearts.
“It was very important for us to play on three different weekends where there is no AFL in Melbourne,” Rodski said.
“That’s round 1 against Parra, round 6 when the Gather Round is over in Adelaide and we play the Warriors, and our last home game is against the Roosters when there’s no AFL because of the finals.
“We are quite satisfied.”
Sua Faalogo was excellent during the Storm but could leave if Papenhuyzen decides to stay. Image: NRL imagesSource: supplied
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