Dealing with long-term injuries has a significant psychological impact.
It is doubly challenging to take on the role of mentor and leader to colleagues who have replaced you on the pitch.
Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has done so for the past two seasons as he recovers from major knee and ankle ailments, which his teammates have praised.
The 25-year-old said that his journey over the last 18 months was one of “massive self-discovery and self-journey”.
The 2020 Clive Churchill medallist was reflective about his time spent away from the game. After shattering his kneecap in 2022, he was ruled out of NRL action for 405 days – only to have his season end three games later due to a broken ankle.
He has twice worked with renowned physio Bill Knowles in the United States to assist his physical recovery, but returning from a long-term injury requires a mental fortitude as well.
“I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned a lot how to go about injuries, I’ve learned a lot how to deal with people, how to deal with myself,” he said on Friday morning.
His teammates have praised his leadership abilities. He not only advises spectators hoping to win $10,000, but he has also served as a coach for players on the pitch.
“The amount of respect I have for him for his attitude with how he dealt with those two injuries in the last two years, and even, there was his head knock injury in 2021,” Wishart said NRL.com.
“It’s a lot of time on the sidelines, and the professionalism and tenacity he demonstrated are contagious, and my respect for him in that regard is quite high. He’s also a fantastic clubman, judging by how he conducts himself around the club.”
“It’s between me and Sua at the moment,” he said, when discussing his potential round one return at fullback.
“He’s been running around on the wing, he’s been asking me for help… it’s a healthy competition I’d say and if he gets his go, I’m sure he’ll thrive in that environment.”
Jonah Pezet – another young player developing through the squad over the last couple of seasons – emphasised Papenhuyzen’s role as a mentor within the club.
“He’s taken me and Sua under his wing a lot,” he explained to NRL.com. “Obviously, Sua is probably his position a bit more, but the way he mentors him and shows him stuff is crazy.”
“It’s great for us as a club… I think that’s what this club is about. Leaving this jersey in a better place than what it was when you got here.”
Papenhuyzen’s potential return to the footy field in round one is a great story.
“He’s been running around on the wing, asking for my help…” It’s healthy competition, in my opinion, and if he gets his chance, I’m confident he’ll thrive in that setting.”
Jonah Pezet, another young player who has progressed through the squad in recent seasons, underlined Papenhuyzen’s position as a mentor within the club.
“He’s taken me and Sua under his wing a lot,” he told NRL.com. “Obviously, Sua is probably his position a bit more, but the way he mentors him and shows him stuff is crazy.”
“It’s great for our club…” I believe that is what this club is about. Leaving this jersey in better condition than when you arrived.”
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