Ryan Papenhuyzen cited "joy" as a vital factor in the Storm's stunning start to the season as the star fullback hit back at doubters who predicted injuries would rob him of his electric speed.
Papenhuyzen has had well documented battles with injuries since his breakout season and Clive Churchill Medal in 2020. They include a severe concussion in 2021, a fractured kneecap in late 2022, and an ankle fracture shortly after his return in 2023.
The 26-year-old played a total of 20 games last season, disrupted by relatively minor injuries, but there was a sense that Papenhuyzen never quite hit full flight as he battled to get back to his best.
If there were any doubts that Papenhuyzen had lost his speed, however, they were thoroughly put to bed in the Storm's 56-18 defeat of the Eels.
A double for Papenhuyzen
“People like that narrative," said Papenhuyzen, who received six Dally M votes to sit atop the leaderboard with Newcastle fullback Kalyn Ponga and Manly's Tom Trbojevic.
It’s easy to say that I’ve been injured, so I’m not expected to be as fast, but hopefully they were watching.
"They don’t see the work that’s done behind the scenes. We’ve got some of the great technical coaches. Having them around every day, you’re just naturally going to get faster and become stronger, and I’ve been in the system for long enough now.”
Storm coach Craig Bellamy was certainly impressed by Papenhuyzen’s performance, remarking after the match that it was the slickest that he has looked since returning from back-to-back long-term injuries.
Papenhuyzen was at the centre of the action, scoring two tries and accumulating three line-breaks in an exhilarating display of attacking football as the Storm dismantled the Eels to maintain their 23-year unbeaten record in Round 1.
The success of the Melbourne Storm over the club’s history is built on many different components. Hard work, a strong bond between players, and master coaching are cited as the key to what makes them tick.
However, sometimes simply enjoying your footy can be just as important. That was on full display in the manner that the Storm dismantled the Eels.
The Storm piled on 46 points in the first half. It was the second time in their history that they had scored 40 or more points in a half and when they scored six tries between minutes 20 and 40, it seemed like they were unstoppable.
“I love that word, and we speak about it quite often. Joy is the feeling we had out there,”Papenhuyzen said.
“It’s a build-up of everything you do in preseason coming to fruition. We didn’t get to enjoy it as much towards the end, because they piled on a few points, but I think we should be really proud of that performance and be able to build off it.
“It’s nice. We got in a flow state, so I’m really happy with how it went. I think everyone just put trust in the work we’ve done to get to this point. We played a good brand of footy.”
A try goes begging for the Storm
Yet Papenhuyzen admitted his performance wasn’t perfect. After a darting run in behind early in the first half, he opted to dummy instead of passing to a wide-open Cameron Munster, resulting in a golden opportunity wasted.
“This try tally has become toxic, I think! I think it’s in my head” he joked.
“I’ve seen some screenshots. He was definitely over. I’ll just say it was on purpose.”
The Storm will hope to keep the joy with them as they prepare to take on Penrith in a grand final rematch at AAMI Park on March 20 after their Round 2 bye.
Match: Storm v Panthers
Round 3 -
home Team
Storm
1st Position
away Team
Panthers
12th Position
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
