Melbourne Storm's Ryan Papenhuyzen has confirmed that he will stay put after the 2022 season, shutting down rumours of a potential move to The Dolphins.
The 23-year-old will stick with the Storm despite a number of big-name players already signing with the expansion franchise including brothers Kenny and Jesse Bromwich, along with Felise Kaufusi.
Brandon Smith will also leave the Storm at the end of 2022, with the hooker making a move to the Sydney Roosters.
Papenhuyzen shared his optimism and commitment to the club with 9News Queensland.
“I love it down here, I love the club, they gave me the opportunity and I don’t think I will be looking at that any time soon,” the mulleted back said.
After a rocky run throughout 2021 with a neck injury and concussion symptoms sidelining him for 10 weeks, Papenhuyzen will look to return to his best form in 2022.
Following an offseason incident resulting in the suspension, Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis for the opening rounds of the season, Papenhuyzen explained it was the wake up call the club needed.
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"I feel like those things need to happen sometimes to sort of really get you back on track,” the gun fullback explained.
“I think that is what happened in our off-season, we really addressed the standards.”
Papenhuyzen and the Storm are set to face the Warriors and Knights in trial games across the next month before their season proper commences on March 12 when they face the Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium.