Just weeks after returning to the NRL, Melbourne Storm player Ryan Papenhuyzen suffered another devastating injury.
The fullback suffered a devastating ankle injury in his team’s qualifying final loss to the Brisbane Broncos in September and is currently receiving further rehabilitation.
However, there is renewed optimism that he will be ready for the following season.
The Sporting News provides the most recent information on Papenhuyzen’s injuries and playing status for 2024.
Papenhuyzen has delivered a favourable update as he prepares to return to the football pitch.
The speedster said that he is on pace to play in a trial match for Melbourne.
That means he might be in action as early as February 15, when the Storm face the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the NRL’s pre-season challenge.
“I think I might be playing a trial game,” Papenhuyzen told 9News.
“I believe I was overcome with emotion and disappointment, thinking, ‘Not again, who have I let down?'” I don’t think seeing my foot that way helped.
“I don’t know if that’s because of all the mental work I’ve done while I’ve been out, but I don’t see why not.”
As part of his recuperation, he recently returned to the United States for another session with reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles.
He spent time with Knowles in Philadelphia in 2023 as part of his recovery from a shattered kneecap, and he chose to fund the newest trip himself as he works towards a Round 1 return.
“Storm has been paying me for 12 months, but I haven’t played… “I thought I’d use some of the money to fix myself up,” he explained.
“Coming back after my knee with Bill, and the level of confidence and reassurance he offered me… I simply want that.
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