Papenhuyzen fires warning shot as Storm defeat Rabbitohs

Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has sent a warning to his NRL rivals with a scintillating performance in his side's 28-16 win over the Rabbitohs. 

The speedster has endured a torrid run of injuries throughout the past few years and has struggled to regain the form that made him one of the most electrifying players in the game in 2020 and 2021. 

A fractured fibula in Round 9 this season put a halt to his early-season momentum and he has slowly built back up since returning in Round 16.  

On Thursday he hit top speed as the Storm ran in five tries to three at Accor Stadium. The fullback scored one and set up another as he showed glimpses of his ability to break a game open with ball in hand. 

The most impressive moment of the night came early in the second half when he burst through the Rabbitohs defensive line before racing 45 metres and sending Grant Anderson over for an easy try. 

It's a warning sign for Melbourne's rivals as they edge closer to the minor premiership with four games to play. 

The Storm have been consistent all year and currently sit four points clear of the Panthers, with Penrith to play Parramatta on Friday night. 

Nathan Cleary's return has provided a major boost for the three-time defending premiers but Papenhuyzen's form could be the X-factor Melbourne need to topple the Panthers.

The two teams will face off in a Thursday night showdown next weekend in a match that could decide the minor premiership and provide an early glimpse of what's to come in September. 

Thursday's result was a death knell for South Sydney's finals hopes, with the Rabbitohs now 15th and six points outside the eight.

The Storm led 22-4 at half-time after a dominant opening 40 that saw them run in four tries to one.

Will Warbrick opened the scoring in the sixth minute, before South Sydney hit back through a Fletcher Myers intercept. 

Melbourne quickly regained the ascendancy and Nelson Asofa-Solomona charged over from short range soon after, with Warbrick adding another and Papenhuyzen rounding out the scoring in the first half.

The onslaught continued immediately after the break, Papenhuyzen bursting through the line before putting Anderson over for a try. 

With a 26-4 lead, Melbourne eased up and Myers crossed for his second to narrow the gap.

The Rabbitohs added another with nine minutes to play through Cameron Murray however the Storm eventually closed out the game with a penalty goal in the final minute.