Melbourne Storm General Manager Frank Ponissi has confirmed that star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is set to return from a debilitating leg injury in the side’s first trial match next week.
Two weeks after returning from a knee injury that sidelined him for over a year, Papenhuyzen succumbed to another lower leg injury that forced him into another lengthy rehab.
The 25-year-old has returned to full contact training with the Storm over the last couple of weeks and has had no further setbacks as he aims for a return to regular football in 2024.
“Ryan Papenhuyzen is a player that everyone asks about,” Ponissi told SEN 1170 Mornings.
“Ryan is training really well and we expect him to play in that first trial next week against the Bulldogs at Belmore.
“Which will be exciting for us and for him more importantly.”
Despite his recent injury history, Ponissi admitted it was Papenhuyzen who was pushing for his return to the NRL sooner rather than later.
“Craig (Bellamy) actually wanted to hold him for the Fiji trial against the Knights,” Ponissi added.
“It was actually Paps who went to Craig and said, ‘I want to play in that first game’, I think he’s ready.
“The medical staff are really pleased, they’ve got no issues whatsoever, same as the performance staff.
“It’s definitely been driven by Paps, we’re looking forward to him taking the field next Thursday night.”
Papenhuyzen’s return will kick off the NRL’s preseason challenge with the Storm heading to Belmore Oval to take on the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs next Thursday night.