Could Papenhuyzen be a free agent in 2026?

Storm fans are fearful of losing star Ryan Papenhuyzen as he is set to hit the open market on November 1st, as he will run off-contract at the end of 2025.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko spoke about the star fullback, believing he may want to remain with the Storm, although expects many clubs may be looking to jump on him.

“If you are a club that needs a fullback…Ryan Papenhuyzen is a superstar, he just needs to play some football,” Proszenko said on SEN1170.

“Someone will take a punt on him if they (Melbourne Storm) can’t come to terms.”

Proszenko also discussed a potential loss of Papenhuyzen could mean a permanent fullback slot for Sualauvi Faalogo.

Faalogo played a mix of fullback and winger positions throughout 2024, Proszenko arguing he and Papenhuyzen may be occupying similar ground.

“Can you actually have both of those guys on the books long term?” he added.

“Someone is going to be disappointed because they are not going to be playing that number 1 jersey.”

Faalogo has signed with Melbourne until the end of 2028, meaning the only way to solve this fullback overlap would be a controversial release of Papenhuyzen.

Many clubs will look towards big players like Papenhuyzen ahead of the November 1st release date, and could see huge changes to the 2026 line ups.