Overview
- The club confirmed the immediate exit after four weeks of discussions following the grand final, with the 27-year-old to take next season off to consider his options.
- Reports continue to link Papenhuyzen to the breakaway R360 competition, his agent has acknowledged talks, and no agreement has been announced as the NRL threatens 10-year bans for defectors.
- Melbourne is reported to have roughly $2 million in cap space after the release and recent departures of Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jonah Pezet, positioning the club for the November 1 market.
- Rising talent Sua Fa’alogo, contracted through 2028, is widely expected to assume the fullback role under an accelerated succession plan.
- Storm CEO Justin Rodski said Papenhuyzen may not yet know his next step, and the player posted on Instagram that he will take a break to explore life beyond the game.