Ryan Papenhuyzen has shared details about his choice to leave rugby league after the 2025 season. The former Melbourne Storm fullback, who played 113 games and scored 77 tries, discussed his life outside the sport. Notably, Papenhuyzen led the Storm to a premiership in 2020, delivering a Clive Churchill Medal-winning performance that cemented his legacy at the club.
Adjusting to Life Away from Rugby
Papenhuyzen described his first year away from rugby league as a time of change, likening it to “finishing school again and in that period of deciding if you want to study or want to go on a gap year.” He admitted that at first, he found it hard to completely step away from the game. Rumours had circulated last year that he might leave the Storm to join the breakaway rugby union franchise ‘R360’ as a marquee signing, but its delayed start shifted focus to potential NRL moves instead. Despite these speculations, Papenhuyzen ultimately chose to step away from professional rugby altogether.
During his break, Papenhuyzen started a new career as a golf caddie. He was in New Zealand when the Storm played their first game of the season. Despite his initial hesitation, he watched the first half and saw that the team was doing well without him. “As much as i wanted to go to bed and not see t,” he admitted, “I stayed up and watched the first half and pretty soon after that game I realised they didn’t need me.”
A Rising Talent
New fullback sensation Sua Fa’alogo made a strong impression right away. In the opening game, he scored two tries, set up another, and made five line break assists, covering 197 running metres in Melbourne’s 52-4 thrashing of Parramatta. This performance made Papenhuyzen brutally question if “I was the problem,” reflecting on his ego taking a hit after back-to-back grand final defeats.
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Papenhuyzen’s decision to retire was heavily influenced by a series of severe injuries and concussions. He recalled a head injury in the final round against Brisbane, which made him question his continued involvement. “I think the head knock in the last round against Brisbane, that was sort of like, ‘what are you doing?’, and that encouraged the decision in the end,” he said.
Looking Back on the Retirement Announcement
He acknowledged that he could have handled his retirement announcement better. He waited until after the season to avoid distracting his teammates but now wishes he had shared the news in person instead of through a message. “Probably didn’t go about it the best way…if I could have my time bac,” he reflected, admitting he would handle it differently if given the chance.
When asked about a possible return to rugby league, Papenhuyzen was clear about his decision. He said, “Nah the drive has gone into different areas now…it’s served its purpose for footy.” He conceded that he does miss the game, especially during finals week, and has watched games occasionally, particularly during finals, where the competitive atmosphere reminded him of what he left behind.
The former Melbourne Storm fullback will return to the rugby league scene as he takes up a position on Channel 7’s commentary panel for the Rugby League World Cup kicking off in October.