How Papenhuyzen defied coach’s doubts on road to 100
Jasper Bruce |
There were times on Ryan Papenhuyzen’s road to 100 games that Craig Bellamy questioned whether the Melbourne fullback was mentally and physically capable of continuing his NRL career.
The milestone Papenhuyzen reaches against Canberra at Magic Round appeared a long way off during a cruel run of injuries that began with a head knock at the 2021 edition of the NRL’s footy festival.
A sickening high shot knocked Papenhuyzen out and left him with a concussion so painful he was at one point getting through a sleeve of paracetamol daily.
After returning from a nine-week lay-off, Papenhuyzen was further set back by a shattered kneecap. In his third game back from the knee issue in 2023, he broke his ankle.
At his peak, Papenhuyzen was among the NRL’s fastest and most elusive ball runners, qualities that helped him win man of the match in the 2020 grand final defeat of Penrith.
But Bellamy, who has seen it all in 23 seasons as Storm coach, had moments when he doubted the 26-year-old could go on.
“A couple of times when he’s had major injuries, you think, ‘Jeez, can you keep going physically but can you keep going mentally?’,” Bellamy said.
“It hasn’t been all beer and skittles along the way.”
Ahead of Sunday’s clash, master coach Bellamy lauded Papenhuyzen for his tenacity.
“He’s just such a resilient guy that he has kept going. He’s got some real rewards from that and obviously we have as well,” the coach said.
“It’s quite an amazing career when you see the injuries that he’s got through.
“It’s been a tough run but it’s been a great run. What he adds to our team when he’s out there, we regard that highly.”
Melbourne’s Eli Katoa plays his 100th game after cementing himself among the NRL’s best second-rowers since arriving from the Warriors in 2023.
“He’s been such a big addition to our club,” Bellamy said.
The Raiders will celebrate their own milestone man against the Storm as captain Joe Tapine plays his 200th game in lime green.
Tapine has transformed from lanky back-rower to middle-forward force since joining the Raiders from Newcastle in 2016, and has helped lift the side to third on the ladder in his first season as captain.
“Just reflecting on when I first came to the club and how far I’ve come as a player and person .. it’s brought back some great memories,” he said.
“I have so much love for this club and what it’s done for me.”
AAP
