Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has undergone surgery on his right ankle today after fracturing it late in the Brisbane Broncos-Melbourne Storm Qualifying Final at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night (8 September).
The skilful fullback-utility hurt his leg in the 72nd minute and received treatment on the field for several minutes before being placed on a stretcher and driven from the field.
He underwent surgery in Brisbane this morning (Saturday 9 September) and will remain in recovery there until he can travel back to Melbourne early next week.
A statement from the Storm today said both the club and Papenhuyzen were maintaining a positive outlook after the Storm No.1 only recently returned to the field from a serious knee injury he suffered last season.
“His surgery went well this morning and, at this stage, we expect him to be back training in the new year but for now we’re focused on ensuring he is getting the right care,” Storm General Manager Football, Frank Ponissi said.
“We’re obviously devastated for Ryan suffering another setback after spending a significant time away from the game after injuring his knee last year.
“He’s worked extremely hard to get back to the NRL over that time and left no stone unturned in his recovery.
“We know that he is the ultimate professional on and off the field and this is just another challenge that he will take on with both hands.”
Papenhuyzen was one of six young guns Westpac NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler added to his extended squad for the 2020 State of Origin series.
The others were Zac Lomax (Dragons), Bradman Best (Knights), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos) and Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs).
Staggs made his Origin debut in 2021 and Best scored two tries in his debut in 2023.
