Ryan Papenhuyzen shifts praise to teammate after stopping 'flying' rival in 'season-defining moment'

Ryan Papenhuyzen wasn't in the mood to take all the praise after his side's preliminary final victory, after his try-saver on Briton Nikora kept the Sharks at bay.

Midway through the second half, Nikora was at his devastating best, hitting a trademark line off Nicho Hynes and looked certain to score.

However, Papenhuyzen was first in contact and managed to hold him up while Cameron Munster came in support.

READ MORE: 'Biggest signing in history' has BBL officials on high alert

READ MORE: Gal fumes over 'frustrating' penalty that left star bloodied

READ MORE: Hynes rues 'crucial errors' as Sharks crash out of finals

"That might be one of the great try-saver's of all time," Phil Gould said on Nine's coverage.

Referee Ashley Klein sent the decision to the Bunker with replays showing Nikora didn't ground the ball.

"Nikora was flying," Gould said.

Billy Slater added: "He grabs hold of the ball, that's the key, body close, get hold of the footy and make sure it doesn't get to the ground."

"That's a brave effort, and he's playing wounded too, Ryan Papenhuyzen. He's got that shoulder injury, I'd suggest it's an AC joint.

"That could be a season-defining moment for the Melbourne Storm."

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Papenhuyzen was penalised for high contact though with the Sharks opting to kick a penalty goal so they could only trail by six.

In the end it didn't make a difference with Melbourne winning 22-14.

Post-game, Papenhuyzen gave Munster the majority of credit.

"Obviously I got a lot of help with Munster there as well," told Nine's Danika Mason.

"I know I'll get the wrap for that, for holding the ball up but if he didn't come over and cover, it could've been a different result.

"You've just got to keep putting yourself in a position to stop tries and I was fortunate that we could stop him there."

The injury Slater made reference to looked like it could be an issue six minutes into the second half when Papenhuyzen clutched at his shoulder on the ground.

However, two plays later he was up and about. The fullback confirmed it wouldn't stop him from playing next week.

"It's pretty sore ... I'm not going to miss a grand final that's for sure," he said.