Ryan Papenhuyzen claims Clive Churchill Medal as Melbourne Storm take out NRL Grand Final

Ryan Papenhuyzen has capped his meteoric rise this season by winning the illustrious Clive Churchill Medal for a best on ground performance in the NRL Grand Final.

The 22-year-old's win was a stunning result, with bookmakers even paying out Storm skipper Cameron Smith to take out the illustrious honour well before the final siren.

Melbourne's No.1 provided one of the highlights of the match with his breakaway try on the second half which put the Melbourne Storm up 26-0 over the Penrith Panthers.

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After being a fringe player in Craig Bellamy's side following his debut last season, Papenhuyzen turned in an outstanding 2020 season, which will also include a State of Origin debut for Brad Fittler's New South Wales side in November.

The Storm youngster was overcome with emotion at the final siren, as he admitted to having "butterflies" in his first career Grand Final.

"I'm so emotional. Wow. The whole day was just the unknown. You don't know whats going to happen. It's the most butterflies I've ever had," he told Nine after the match.

"We've done it so tough this year. Back home they're doing it a lot tougher than we are. I'm so happy. We're going to celebrate alright.

"That first half. that was the best defensive performance I've seen this year. Our first half definitely set the platform. It's unbelievable."

The young gun's 80-metre solo try in the 45th minute was so spectacular that it caused Fittler, who was on the sideline for Nine, to confirm his State of Origin selection.

"He has [earned selection]," Fittler said on commentary on Nine.

"Right there, baby!"

"There's a couple of options [for No.14], there's Clint Gutherson who finished second on the Dally M leaderboard.

"Ryan Papenhuyzen, the way the Storm play him through the middle and fullback and different positions."