Ryan Papenhuyzen is looking to put a disappointing season behind him as the fullback prepares to return to the big time after playing only three games last season.
Papenhuyzen was out for the majority of the previous season as he battled a devastating knee injury that dominated headlines. The 25-year-old eventually returned to the team, but one of the feel-good stories of the season rapidly turned into a nightmare when he sustained a shattered ankle
Will Ryan Papenhuyzen play for the Melbourne Storm in round one?
Papenhuyzen has been working his way back to full fitness after suffering a devastating ankle injury against Brisbane late last year, which had many worried about his long-term prospects in the game.
“Ryan is training really well and we expect him to play in that first trial next week against the Bulldogs at Belmore, which will be exciting for us and for him more importantly.”
The Storm will begin their Pre-Season Challenge programme against Canterbury on Thursday, February 15, and end it up a week later against Newcastle.
“Craig (Bellamy) actually wanted to hold him for the Fiji trial against the Knights,” Ponissi told the Herald.
“It was actually Paps who went to Craig and said, ‘I want to play in that first game’, so I think he’s ready.”
Papenhuyzen’s return will be a welcome boost for the club, which announced a change in leadership ahead of the new season, with Harry Grant taking over for Christian Welch.
Earlier in the preseason, the prop remarked that Papenhuyzen’s recovery was progressing well as he attempted to return to the field for his team’s first round match against Penrith at home.
“We didn’t see too much of him pre-Christmas, but he’s come back…and he was jumping in drills, and he looks electric,” Welch went on to say.
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