Papenhuyzen eyes future Origin debut after return from injury
“Hopefully I can get a game down there soon.”
Published by
Ethan Lee Chalk
Melbourne Storm superstar fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has confirmed his State of Origin ambitions as he returned to the field last Friday night from injury.
Expressing a desire to one day play for the NSW Blues in the State of Origin arena, Papenhuyzen has had a horror string of injuries over the past few seasons, with his most recent being an ankle injury that kept him on the sidelines for nearly two months.
Speaking after his first game back in Storm colours for some time, he was hoping to don the NSW Blues jersey in the future and join the illustrious group of players.
"Melbourne loves sport and Origin is no different – If no-one knows rugby league down there, they know what Origin is," he said on Nine's television broadcast.
"I'm sure it will be packed out. It's one of those games you want to be part of.
"Unfortunately (for me), not this year. Hopefully I can get a game down there soon, and I get to play in front of the Melbourne fans at the MCG.
"That'd be nice."
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: Ryan Papenhuyzen of the Storm celebrates scoring a try during the 2020 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
"His resilience is top-notch. First class. He never gives up," Gallen said on Nine's broadcast of the match between the Storm and Dolphins.
"What I loved about that interview, he said 'hopefully I'm out there one day'. He still has ambition to play for NSW. The way he started this year, he probably wouldn't have been out of place.
"Unfortunately, injury has taken a toll and he has missed a fair bit of footy.
"He is one of the stars of the game, he has the kids talking about him, he is a great player and great guy.
"Hopefully he can stay fit and healthy and get consistent footy under his belt. I'm sure that's what the Storm want, too."
The Melbourne Storm will return back home to AAMI Park this week as they face the Canberra Raiders on Saturday evening and look to remain on top of the NRL ladder.