‘I’m not going anywhere’: Ryan Papenhuyzen not driven by money as Storm star weighs up his future

Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has declared he will be at the club next season and money won’t influence his next contract conceding he’s yet to make a decision amid growing speculation he’s set to sign with the Bulldogs.

Papenhuyzen has one year left on his current deal but is free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2026 and beyond.

The 2020 Clive Churchill Medal winner endured a horror run of injuries after his premiership win, with serious leg injuries and concussion restricting him to just 30 appearances in the three years after he lifted the trophy.

Papenhuyzen scored 13 tries from 20 appearances last season for the minor premiers but failed to sort out a deal before the November 1 deadline which has led to speculation that he’ll move on in 2026.

The emergence of Sua Fa’alogo has complicated the matter, with the speedy fullback signed for the next five years but free to look elsewhere if Papenhuyzen extends his stay.

Papenhuyzen loves the Storm and has developed strong bonds with his fellow spine members, with the team well placed to avenge their grand final defeat next year.

“I’ve still got a year left in Melbourne, so I’m not going anywhere,” Papenhuyzen told Triple M’s Rush Hour with JB & Billy.

“But as of a year left on your contract, you can start negotiating with other clubs, so there’s a bit of speculation purely based on the fact that I haven’t signed anything with the Storm yet.

“It’s hard to avoid the stuff going around on social media. I haven’t made a decision yet. “There’s a lot of narrative around it being money, which is quite easy to speculate about, but that’s something I’ve been really strong on the whole time that it’s not money.

“I want to win premierships. I know my career has only got so long in it. I’ve got a growth mindset. Melbourne definitely do have that, for sure.

“We’ve just had a couple of people leave lately, and I’m waiting to see who we can get in those positions to fill in. Definitely more than a thinking decision than money.

“I’ve never been off-contract, so it’s quite a new feeling. I think a decision will come before the season; I know the effect it has on your teammates by dragging it out.”

Storm opted our of opening the 2025 season in Las Vegas and will instead tackle Parramatta, under new coach and former Melbourne assistant Jason Ryles in round 1 seeking a stunning 23nd straight opening round win under Craig Bellamy.