Papenhuyzen Released by Melbourne Storm

Ryan Papenhuyzen has been granted an immediate release from the final year of his Melbourne Storm contract to take time away from the game after 113 games and a Clive Churchill Medal. He has indicated he intends to take the next season off and has been widely linked to the breakaway Rugby 360 competition, though neither he nor the Storm has confirmed a move. Storm chair Matt Tripp said the club respected his decision and wished him well, and Papenhuyzen thanked the club and teammates. His departure is the third high‑profile exit after Nelson Asofa‑Solomona and Jonah Pezet following the grand final loss to Brisbane and frees roughly $2 million in salary space. That relief positions Melbourne as a major player in the market ahead of the November 1 transfer deadline, and the club says it will fast‑track young fullback Sua Sualauvi Fa’alogo into the role as part of its succession plan.