The Melbourne Storm have locked in one of the game's best on a long-term extension, with Ryan Papenhuyzen re-committing to the club.
The deal will last for three seasons, beginning from 2023 season, with Papenhuyzen already in Melbourne for the next 12 months under his current contract.
The fullback has struggled for game time in the last couple of months, following a nasty concussion sustained against the St George Illawarra Dragons during magic round.
RELATED: Bellamy signs long-term extension with Storm
He returned off the bench last week against the North Queensland Cowboys, and will play from the pine again this weekend in a blockbuster clash against the Penrith Panthers.
However, the Storm's priorities regarding the future of the star number one were clear, with Nicho Hynes allowed to leave the club, heading to the Cronulla Sharks next season.
Papenhuyzen's three-year deal will see him remain at the club until 2025.
His form during the first part of the season as many calling for his potential inclusion as New South Wales fullback, ahead of incumbent James Tedesco.
Fullback
Tries
Try Assists
Tackle Breaks
With eight tries and seven assists in his seven games this year, he is widely regarded as one of the best attacking players in the competition.
He will play his 50th NRL match on Saturday, and took out the Clive Churchill medal in last year's grand final against Penrith.
The 23-year-old said it was an easy decision to stay in the Victorian capital, particularly following the re-signing of Craig Bellamy.
โItโs awesome to have these three extra years locked in,โ he said.
โThis club gave me my opportunity to play NRL and I just feel like I owe them to sign on here for a few more years.
โHopefully itโs going to be a successful four years to come.
โIโm excited and pumped because I love everything about this club, the people involved, the fans, the members and the playing group.
MORE: Storm sign mature-aged forward
โThis is the group I want to be playing with.โ Papenhuyzen said coach Craig Bellamyโs decision to extend his contract with the Storm had also played a significant part in his own contract outcome. โHaving Craig re-sign made this decision a lot easier."
