Ryan Papenhuyzen rejects long-term deal, set to stick with Storm with another free agency period in sight

Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is closing in on a one-year extension with the Storm, which would end his first foray into free agency in a blow to the Bulldogs.

The Sydney Morning Herald reports Papenhuyzen has decided against a move at the end of the 2025 season, opting instead to sign a short-term deal and revisit his options next summer.

According to the SMH report, Canterbury was prepared to offer the 26-year-old more than $1 million a season to make the move to Belmore, a considerable increase on the deal Melbourne had put on the table, which had asked Papenhuyzen to take a pay cut and sign for $750,000-$800,000 per season.

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The Bulldogs had not advanced their discussions with Papenhuyzen to the point of a formal offer, according to the report, but had considered themselves a strong chance to lure the Clive Churchill Medallist who grew up supporting the club.

The latest on the Papenhuyzen situation follows a radio interview in which the Storm gun rejected claims his decision to enter free agency was motivated by money.

"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, is it's not money," Papenhuyzen said on Triple M's Rush Hour with JB & Billy.

"I want to win premierships. I know my career has only got so long in it, and you want to be in the best environment where you've got a growth mindset and you've got a good roster ... Melbourne definitely do have that, for sure."

Papenhuyzen pointed out that a few players had left the Storm following the 2024 season, referring to outside backs Reimis Smith and Young Tonumaipea as well as front-rower Aaron Pene, and said he was waiting to see who Melbourne would add to its top-30 roster after its departures.

"Definitely more of a thinking decision than money," Papenhuyzen said.

"It always plays its part."

Papenhuyzen has endured a dismal run of injuries during his 92-match career, including a serious concussion caused by a sickening high shot, a shattered knee cap and a broken ankle, but he's proven he can be one of the most damaging fullbacks in the game and is still only 26.

He claimed the 2020 Clive Churchill Medal after Melbourne's 26-20 grand final victory over Penrith, and has regularly burned opposition sides with his blistering pace and terrific support play.

"I've never been off contract, so it's quite a new feeling," Papenhuyzen added.

"I think a decision will come before the season; I know the effect it has on your teammates by dragging it out."