Melbourne could face the unpleasant situation of losing a young genius Your Faalogo How Ryan Papenhuyzen’s contract negotiations progress with the Eels set to turn around from $850,000 for Storm fullback. The junior winners are enjoying a week off after crushing the Sharks in NRL final, waiting for the winner of the match between Manly Sea Eagles and Roosters.

And while Craig Bellamy’s men rest the squad for the NRL finals, speculation continues to swirl around Papenhuyzen’s next contract. The popular Storm defender is yet to re-sign with the club as the 26-year-old weighs up his options ahead of a potential long-term deal.

The weapon is full of on the verge of signing a contract extension with Melbourne Stormand has previously revealed the role Billy Slater and his wife Nicole have played in keeping him on the right track. Papenhuyzen’s agent Clinton Schifcofske is said to have met with Storm representatives to finalise a new three-year deal with the 26-year-old.

Papenhuyzen’s current contract runs until the end of the 2025 season, meaning he will be free to negotiate with rival NRL clubs from November 1 this year. While Storm fans would be delighted to be able to keep Papenhuyzen, reporter David Riccio has suggested the club could be facing the loss of Faalogo.

Earlier this year, Faalogo signed a contract extension with the Storm until the end of 2028. Although he could be disappointed if he fails to secure a starting position, there will be no shortage of rival clubs keen to sign the fullback if he wants more time on the pitch.

In an interview with SEN Radio, Riccio believes Storm realise that a long-term deal with Papenhuyzen signals their intention to field him as their No 1 for years to come. “It’s going to be a really interesting decision in Melbourne,” Riccio told SEN Radio on Wednesday morning.

“My conversation with Storm just a week ago was that they were flowing in terms of negotiations to extend Ryan Papenhuyzen’s contract,” Riccio said on Wednesday. “But the fact is they are doing it at the risk of losing Sua Faalogo.

“Despite the fact that they believe they will be able to keep Faalogo, it is a juggling act. The catch for Papenhuyzen leaving the Storm will be whether the buying club will invest significant money.

Future Eels coach Jason Ryles may also be looking for a new defender. Clint Gutherson is set to move from defenseman to a utility role in 2025. That opens up the No.1 jersey. However, Riccio doesn’t think the Eels would be willing to spend anywhere near $850,000 on Papenhuyzen due to his injury concerns. This is despite Papenhuyzen’s form in 2024, which has seen him play some of his best games in years.

“Given the fact that we know how brilliant he is, but also given some of the injury problems he’s had recently. In the eyes of some clubs it would be seen as a gamble. But would Parramatta go there? I’d say no.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen talks contract negotiations

The full-back has struggled with a number of injuries, breaking his leg twice in two years and fracturing his kneecap in 2022. Faalogo is also fighting for a place in the Storm starting line-up after putting in some impressive performances in 2024.

Papenhuyzen recently admitted he was in the unusual position of being without a contract throughout his NRL career. And following Melbourne’s win over the Rabbitohs in Round 23, Papenhuyzen appeared to put to rest any speculation he was leaving the Storm.

RELATED:

“It’s a strange feeling because I’ve never been out of contract,” he said after Melbourne’s win over South Sydney on Thursday night. “We’re close (on November 1) and you hear other clubs are interested but I really love Melbourne and I love what we’ve built here.

“I don’t want to go anywhere, that’s for sure, but November 1st is getting closer every week. What I did is what I did. Now I know my worth and I have to stick to that a little more than just coming out here and trying to do a show.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen in new relationship in Melbourne

Another reason Papenhuyzen could decide to stay in Melbourne is his recent announcement that he is in a new relationship. In June, while speaking on the Australian Aces podcast with Storm teammates Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, the defender suggested he was no longer available.

“Yeah, guys, I’m not living the single life anymore,” the 26-year-old said at the time. “I’m off the market. I’m locked up. There are no releases yet, it’s very early days.”

Two months later, it appears the mystery woman has been unmasked. Papenhuyzen posted a photo of herself with Sydney influencer Emma Mac on social media this week in a series of photos with the caption “era pookie.” And just last week, Mac informed her followers that she would be moving to Melbourne in the near future.