Christian Welch, the captain of the Melbourne Storm, has given an update on the health of his star teammate Ryan Papenhuyzen, who is recovering from a horrific string of injuries.
After breaking his kneecap in2022, Papenhuyzen missed more than a year of action before making a brief return to the NRL before the previous year’s playoffs.
He had an ankle injury that prevented him from playing for the rest of the season, which prevented the Storm from being competitive and from being the crucial X-factor they needed in the finals. As a result, the team lost to the Penrith Panthers in the preliminary final.
As the new season gets underway, Christian Welch disclosed that the fullback plans to make a comeback in Round 1.
Papenhuyzen has already resumed training, and preseason images posted by the team on social media and by NCA Newswire indicate that he has appeared in good shape.Welch told NCA Newswire, “I can really empathise with those long-term injuries because I’ve had a few myself. It’s been a tough couple of years for him.”
“His attitude has been incredibly positive.
The main problem, in my opinion, with having such injuries is that, occasionally, you may feel a little alone.
It’s natural to feel a little left out during the 27-week season when you’re not on the squad, but he’s made it a point to be involved and do anything he can to support the boys.
“He prepared videos and strategies for the squad to attempt to help, which was incredibly helpful for us while he wasn’t on the field. He is a very thoughtful and introspective person, and these qualities have served him well in trying times.
“He’s starting to flourish now that we’re seeing him come out of those difficult times.”
Sua Fa’alogo and Nick Meaney are the two clear favorites to compete for the starting jersey if Papenhuyzen is sidelined for the team’s season opener.
Given that Nick Meaney will shift to the centers following Justin Olam’s departure to allow him and Papenhuyzen to be on the field simultaneously, Fa’alogo seems more plausible.
It wouldn’t be shocking, though, if Craig Bellamy decided to transfer Papenhuyzen to the interchange bench as opposed to leaving the team when he returned.
“It’s exciting to have some of these weapons,” Welch added.
“Craig gets paid a lot so he’s got some tough decisions to figure out how this is all going to work because I’m not sure how you fit them all in, but you’ve got to have these guys playing every week in the NRL in terms of Sua, Paps and Nick Meaney.
“I’m not sure how they’re going to juggle the backline and the bench, but it’s really exciting to have those weapons at your disposal.
“Sua has had a great pre-season and looks as fast as ever so it’s good competition for those spots in the outside backs.
“We’ve got Xavier Coates and Will Warbrick who both had great years.
“Will played for New Zealand A, and Xavier took out our player of the year award so it’s not just the fullbacks fighting for spots, there’s a really competitive nature for all the spots in the outside backs.”
