Melbourne Storm has granted Ryan Papenhuyzen a release from the remainder of his playing contract, effective immediately.
Papenhuyzen, who has a year to run on his current contract, has decided to take a break away from the game to consider his future.
Papenhuyzen played 113 games for Melbourne Storm over nine years at AAMI Park. The fullback joined the Club in 2017 and made his NRL debut in Round 4 2019. A product of the Dundas Shamrocks, Papenhuyzen achieved Premiership success with Storm in 2020, earning the Clive Churchill Medal as Melbourne defeated the Panthers 26-20.
Papenhuyzen concludes his time at Storm with an impressive 635 career points, including 77 tries and 160 goals, ranking him sixth on the Club’s all-time leading points scorers. His 36-point performance against the Wests Tigers in Round 10 2025 remains the highest points scored by a Storm player in an individual game.
Papenhuyzen said: “I’ve loved my time at Melbourne Storm. I’ve enjoyed close to a decade of incredible memories and experiences in the purple jersey. Playing in front of the Storm fans every week has made my time in Melbourne something I’ll never forget.
“I want to thank the Club for their understanding and support throughout this process. I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and staff for all their love and support, it’s been a privilege playing footy and working with you.”
Melbourne Storm Chairman Matt Tripp added: “Ryan has shown great character and resilience throughout his time at our Club, and we’ve loved watching him develop into the player and person that he is today. We’re obviously disappointed that his time at Storm has come to an end, but we respect his decision to take some time away from professional sport.
“We thank Ryan for his enormous contribution to our Club. He departs Storm as a Premiership player and Clive Churchill Medallist with 113 games to his name. We wish Ryan the very best for the next chapter in his life and career.”
