Ryan Papenhuyzen
{{Short description|Australian rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name = Ryan Papenhuyzen
|fullname =
|image = Ryan Papenhuyzen.jpg
|imagesize =
|image_upright =
|position = {{rlp|FB}}
|birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1998|06|10|df=y}}
|birth_place = Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
|height = {{convert|181|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|80|kg|stlb|abbr=on}}
|club1 = Melbourne Storm
|year1start = 2019
|year1end = present
|appearances1 = 106
|tries1 = 74
|goals1 = 158
|fieldgoals1 = 6
|points1 = 619
|teamA = Australia 9s
|yearAstart = 2019
|appearancesA = 5
|triesA = 1
|goalsA = 1
|fieldgoalsA = 0
|pointsA = 6
|retired =
|source = [http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/ryan-papenhuyzen/summary.html Rugby League Project]{{cite web | url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-news-the-mole-ryan-pupenhuyzen-added-muscle-for-2022-20220310-p5iy5f.html | title=NRL news | the Mole | Ryan Papenhuyzen ready to handle NRL bullies after fruitful offseason }}
|updated = 29 June 2025
}}
Ryan Papenhuyzen (born 10 June 1998) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a {{rlp|fb}} for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League.
Papenhuyzen won the 2020 NRL Grand Final with Melbourne, winning the Clive Churchill Medal. He also played in the 2024 NRL Grand Final with the Storm. He represented the Australia title-winning inaugural 9's side in 2019.
Early life
Papenhuyzen was born in Sydney, Australia, and is of Dutch descent.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/you-can-t-dutch-this-flyer-papenhuyzen-one-that-got-away-from-tigers-20190515-p51nih.html |title=You can't Dutch this: Flyer Papenhuyzen one that got away from Tigers |publisher=SMH Sport |date=15 May 2019}}
He grew up in Kellyville, New South Wales, was educated at Oakhill College, Castle Hill where he played three seasons of rugby union in the College's 1st XV (2014-16) and also represented the 2015 Australian Schoolboys in rugby league. After graduating high school, he attended Australian Catholic University studying degree in Physical Activity, Health and Exercise Science.{{cn|date=March 2024}}
He played touch football and played his junior rugby league for Kellyville Bushrangers, Dundas Shamrocks and the Hills District Bulls before being signed by Balmain Tigers.{{cite web|url=https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/melbourne-storm/ryan-papenhuyzen/|title=Ryan Papenhuyzen Fullback|access-date=7 April 2019|work=Official NRL profile|publisher=Melbourne Storm}}
Career
=Early career=
Papenhuyzen played his junior representative rugby league for Balmain in the S. G. Ball Cup and Harold Matthews Cup. He later played for the Wests Tigers NRL Under-20s team. He then signed with Melbourne after he was released by the Wests Tigers due to the club wishing to re-sign James Tedesco.{{cite web|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2020-how-wests-tigers-lost-ryan-papenhuyzen-and-the-eventual-price-they-paid/news-story/820b080a0da2fab663661bb2a2c2e6a3/|title=How Wests Tigers lost Ryan Papenhuyzen and the eventual price they paid|website=www.theaustralian.com}}{{cite news |last1=Riccio |first1=David |title=Locker Room: How every Melbourne Storm 2024 NRL grand final player was discovered and brought to club |url=https://www.codesports.com.au/nrl/locker-room-how-every-melbourne-storm-2024-nrl-grand-final-player-was-discovered-and-brought-to-club/news-story/a2af21bbedb8247ea17c046e506b591e |access-date=21 October 2024 |work=Code Sports |publisher=News Corporation Australia |date=6 October 2024 |location=Sydney, New South Wales}}
At Melbourne, Papenhuyzen played for their under 20s and feeder team Sunshine Coast Falcons for 2018. With consistent performances, he gained selection for New South Wales under 20s State of Origin.
=2019=
He made his Melbourne debut while he was only 20 years old in round 4 of the 2019 NRL season against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/04/02/round-4-nrl-squad-announcements/ |title=Round 4 NRL team lists|publisher=NRL.com|date=2 April 2019}} He had his Melbourne jersey (cap number 194) presented to him by former Melbourne player Billy Slater.
Papenhuyzen had a breakout performance in round 9 against the Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium. Coming onto the field in the 50th minute, he scored a try, ran for 137 metres, and had three line breaks, two line-break assists and two try assists as Melbourne won 64–10.{{Cite web|url=https://www.parraeels.com.au/draw/nrl-premiership/2019/round-9-storm-v-eels/|title=Round 9: Storm v Eels – Eels|website=Parramatta Eels|language=en|access-date=9 April 2020}}
On 8 October, Papenhuyzen earned his first representative jersey as he was named in the Australian side for the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s. Later that day, he was named at fullback in the Under-23s Junior Kangaroos squad. Papenhuyzen scored two tries in the Junior Kangaroos’ 62–4 victory over France.{{cn|date=October 2022}}
=2020=
In a Round 8 match against the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne were down 25-24 with 40 seconds remaining. Melbourne regathered from the kick-off and with time running out, Papenhuyzen kicked an equalising field goal, his first in the NRL.
In the 2020 NRL Grand Final, which Melbourne won 26–20, Papenhuyzen won the Clive Churchill Medal for his Man of the Match performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/07/03/do-you-believe-in-magic-the-moments-that-decided-storm-roosters-thriller/ |title=Do you believe in magic? The moments that decided Storm-Roosters thriller|work=NRL |date=3 July 2020 |access-date=3 July 2020}}
Papenhuyzen was selected in the NSW Origin squad for the 2020 State of Origin series, but was withdrawn from selection for game one through injury.{{cite news |title=State of Origin 21-man squads named, Ryan Papenhuyzen ruled out for NSW with calf injury |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-29/grand-final-hero-papenhuyzen-ruled-out-of-origin-opener-for-nsw/12828086 |newspaper=ABC News |date=29 October 2020 |access-date=20 May 2021}} He was not selected in the team for either game two or three.
=2021=
Papenhuyzen began the 2021 season at fullback and as designated goal kicker after the retirement of Cameron Smith. In Round 4, Melbourne defeated the Brisbane Broncos 40-6 with Papenhuyzen scoring four tries in 11 minutes. This equaled, what was at the time, the club record for the most scored in a single game. Papenhuyzen also kicked five goals in this game and with a combined points total of 26, he climbed into second place for the most points scored in a single game by a Melbourne Storm player. By the end of this round he was in first place on the league's list for most points scored. In Round 10 against St. George Illawarra, Papenhuyzen suffered a severe concussion after a high tackle from Tyrell Fuimaono in the 11th minute of the game, ruling him out of a place in NSW's State of Origin squad for 2021 and ruling him out for the majority of the season. Papenhuyzen returned to Melbourne's starting side in Round 19 against North Queensland, playing only 33 minutes from the interchange bench.
Papenhuyzen played a total of 15 games for Melbourne in the 2021 NRL season and scored 14 tries as the club won 19 matches in a row and claimed the Minor Premiership. Papenhuyzen scored 157 points for the season. He played in all three finals matches including the preliminary final where Melbourne suffered a shock 10-6 loss against eventual premiers Penrith.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-09-25/penrith-panthers-beat-melbourne-storm-to-reach-nrl-grand-final/100485860/|title=Penrith Panthers beat Melbourne Storm 10-6 to reach second straight NRL grand final, will face South Sydney Rabbitohs|newspaper=ABC News|date=25 September 2021 }}
=2022=
In Round 4 of the 2022 NRL season, Papenhuyzen set a new career-high points in a game with 28 points against Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, scoring four tries and six goals.{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Chris |title=Storm pile on the points as Papenhuyzen bags four against Bulldogs |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/04/03/Storm-pile-on-the-points-as-Papenhuyzen-bags-four-against-Bulldogs/ |website=NRL.com |publisher=National Rugby League |access-date=4 April 2022 |date=3 April 2022}}
In round 9 of the 2022 NRL season, Papenhuyzen was taken from the field during Melbourne's victory over St. George Illawarra. It was later announced that Papenhuyzen would miss four to six matches with a hamstring and knee injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/news-2022-ryan-papenhuyzen-injury-state-of-origin-nsw-blues-team-selection-20220510-p5iz98.html|title=Bitter injury blow ends Ryan Papenhuyzen's dream of an Origin debut for second straight year|website=amp.nine.com.au}} In round 16, Papenhuyzen made his return to the Melbourne side and scored two tries in a 36–30 loss against Manly.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-manly-sea-eagles-vs-melbourne-storm-live-blog-updates-supercoach-scores-video-ryan-papenhuyzen/news-story/3dd0a9c0bce98e931a688f06c43de457/|title=Manly duo 'on fire' as 'clunky' Storm almost steal win in 'bizarre' finish: 3 Big Hits|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=30 June 2022 }}
In round 18, Papenhuyzen was taken from the field in Melbourne's 20-16 loss against Canberra with a suspected fractured kneecap.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-melbourne-storm-vs-canberra-raiders-live-stream-live-blog-supercoach-scores-videos-updates-cameron-munster-jack-wighton/news-story/b53d7f6b51325f9a9970125150c2c3a4/|title=Papenhuyzen's season looks over as Raiders keep theirs alive thanks to rookie - 3 Big Hits|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=17 July 2022 }}
On 19 July, it was confirmed that Papenhuyzen would miss the remainder of the 2022 NRL season.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-casualty-ward-round-18-sione-katoa-shoulder-sharks-injuries-ins-and-outs-return-dates/news-story/56dd6d96956fea707303721278f6c603/|title=Storm's Papenhuyzen fears confirmed as Sharks flyer cops brutal blow: NRL Casualty Ward|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=19 July 2022 }}
While recovering from injury, in November Papenhuyzen would win the 2022 Australian Open golf pro-am, held at the Victoria Golf Club.{{cite news |last1=Gould |first1=Russell |title=Storm hunger returns in pre-season after ugly 2022 end |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/golf/storm-hunger-returns-in-preseason-after-ugly-2022-end/news-story/ffbd8c9caffd3c7e774b92426bf594f8 |access-date=18 December 2023 |agency=NCA Newswire |publisher=News Corporation Australia |date=30 November 2022}}{{cite book |editor1-last=Middleton |editor1-first=David |title=2023 Official Rugby League Annual |publisher=League Information Services |location=McMahon's Point |page=42}}
=2023=
Papenhuyzen missed the first twenty two rounds of the 2023 NRL season due to a shattered kneecap, returning on August 5 to play for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Queensland cup.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-melbourne-storm-ryan-papenhuyzen-injury-knee-surgery-bill-knowles-usa-trip-nick-meaney-trials-performances-news/news-story/42690f3bf4d0bdd96a9e9cf6a765cfc0/|title=Papenhuyzen out up to first EIGHT rounds as Storm reveal full extent of injury toll|website=www.foxsports.com.au|date=14 February 2023 }} Papenhuyzen returned to first grade in round 26 of the 2023 NRL Season and scored his first try of the season in round 27. Papenhuyzen suffered a season ending fracture to his ankle while he was tackling the Brisbane Broncos Tom Flegler, he was caught in the tackle with fellow teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona in Melbourne's 26-0 loss to Brisbane in week one of the finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-08/brisbane-broncos-beat-melbourne-storm-ryan-papenhuyzen-injury/102815892/|title=Brisbane Broncos beat Melbourne Storm at Lang Park for first time since 2009, booking NRL preliminary final spot|website=www.abc.net.au}} Due to it being his second severe leg injury, many fans believed his career was over, however in the aftermath it was revealed that Papenhuyzen was expected to be cleared to play by the commencement of the following season.{{Cite web |last=Pengilly |first=Adam |date=2023-10-04 |title=‘Horrendous pain’: Papenhuyzen had boot cut off after horrific injury |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/horrendous-pain-papenhuyzen-s-boot-needed-cutting-off-after-horrific-injury-20231004-p5e9kn.html |access-date=2024-06-07 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}
=2024=
Papanhuyzen returned to the side in round 1, in which Melbourne defeated the Penrith Panthers 8-0. The side would go on to win all but one of their first 8 matches, leaving them in first place on the ladder. In their round 9 22-20 victory against the Gold Coast Titans, Papenhuyzen began limping after a routine tackle, which resulted in him leaving the field. It was revealed the following day that Papenhuyzen had suffered a small fracture in his surgically repaired leg, which would leave him sidelined for four to six weeks.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2024-team-tips-round-10-teams-ins-and-outs-injuries-suspensions-changes-latrell-mitchell-rabbitohs-jock-madden-broncos-brandon-smith-roosters/news-story/51a4dc47166b7ef9464e47b5f1575bb0/|title=Souths’ backline crisis amid injury blow: Broncos’ bold gamble on bolters: Teams chat LIVE|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
Papenhuyzen played a total of 20 matches for Melbourne in the 2024 NRL season including their grand final loss to Penrith.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-06/nrl-grand-final-2024-quick-hits-biting-bunker-penrith-panthers/104422068/|title=NRL grand final 2024 quick hits: Biting allegation, Panthers halves swansong and a controversial bunker decision|website=www.abc.net.au}} On 12 December, the Storm announced that Papenhuyzen had signed a one year extension with the club until the end of 2026.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=Papenhuyzen extends to remain in Melbourne |url=https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2024/12/12/papenhuyzen-extends-to-remain-in-melbourne/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Melbourne Storm |language=en}}
=2025=
In round 10 of the 2025 NRL season, Papenhuyzen scored four tries in Melbourne's 64-0 victory over the Wests Tigers.{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/something-that-has-been-spoken-about-ryan-papenhuyzen-on-laurie-daleys-radar-for-blues-debut/news-story/4fb5cd79fabd0f5a5eac4ac88c253345/|title=‘Something that has been spoken about’: Ryan Papenhuyzen on Laurie Daley’s radar for Blues debut|website=www.news.com.au}}
Honours
Melbourne Storm
Individual
- Clive Churchill Medal: 2020
- Melbourne Storm Rookie of the Year: 2019
- Melbourne Storm Back of the Year: 2020, 2021, 2022
Statistics
=Club=
| class="wikitable" |
| style="background:#afe6ba; width:3em;"|†
|Denotes seasons in which Papenhuyzen won an NRL Premiership |
| class="wikitable sortable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:80%;"
! width="2%" |Season ! width="8%" |Team ! width="2%" |Matches ! width="2%" |T ! width="2%" |G !width=2%|GK % ! width="2%" |F/G ! width="2%" |Pts |
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal" |2019 | rowspan="7" style="text-align:center;" |{{leagueicon|Melbourne|16}} Melbourne |22 |9 |2 |66.67% |0 |40 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#afe6ba;" |2020†
|20 |11 |4 |44.44% |1 |53 |
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal" |2021 |15 |14 |49 |85.96% |2{{efn|Includes 1 two point field goal.}} |157 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal" |2022
|12 |14 |41 |78.85% |1 |139 |
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
| scope="row" style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal" |2023 |3 |1 |4 |66.67% |0 |12 |
| 2024
|20 |13 |0 |0 |1 |53 |
| style="background:#eaeaea;"
|2025 |7 |7 |23 |88.46% |0 |74 |
| class="sortbottom"
! colspan="2" |Career totals !99 !69 !123 !80.39% !5 !528 |
As at round 9 of the 2025 NRL season.
References
{{reflist}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
External links
- [https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/melbourne-storm/ryan-papenhuyzen/ Storm profile]
- [https://18thman.com/players/ryan-papenhuyzen/ 18th Man profile]
{{Melbourne Storm squad}}
{{Melbourne Storm - 2020 NRL premiers}}
{{Australia 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s squad}}
{{Clive Churchill Medallists}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Papenhuyzen, Ryan}}
Category:Australian people of Dutch descent
Category:Australian rugby league players
Category:Melbourne Storm players
Category:Rugby league fullbacks
Category:Rugby league players from Sydney
Category:People educated at Oakhill College
Category:Sunshine Coast Falcons players