'Building something special': Ryan Papenhuyzen inks one-year contract extension with Melbourne Storm
Ryan Papenhuyzen will remain at the Storm for at least another season, putting pen to paper on a fresh one-year contract with the club.
The superstar fullback had been sounded out by rival clubs since the start of November, but has opted to remain in Melbourne until the end of 2026.
Papenhuyzen was linked to both Canterbury and Cronulla, but explained his desire to keep building towards a premiership was motivation to extend his tenure.
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Ryan Papenhuyzen will remain at the Storm. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
"I feel like we're building something special here and I have a real drive to see that through," the 26-year-old said in a club statement.
"We've had the core group of our squad together for a while and played a lot of footy alongside each other. To stay in Melbourne and hopefully enjoy success together is something that motivates me.
"I'm excited for the season ahead and can't wait to be back out on the field in front of a packed house at AAMI Park come round one."
The speedster has endured a horror run with injuries in recent years, but returned to form late in the Storm's 2024 campaign, which saw them make the grand final.
Papenhuyzen has already tasted title success in Melbourne, winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the side's 2020 victory over the Panthers.
Ryan Papenhuyzen with the Clive Churchill Medal after the 2020 grand final. Getty
Chief executive Justin Rodski praised the No.1 for his impact on and off the field.
"Ryan is a quality person and a quality player – he's someone who has become a really important part of our club and a leader for our younger players," he said.
"He's invested in our culture and he's invested in making himself and this team better.
"We're confident off the back of the finish he had to the 2024 season he'll be in full flight in 2025 and beyond which will be exciting for all Storm members and fans."
