Although Ryan Papenhuyzen has been connected to several teams over a potential departure from the Melbourne Storm, rumors of a Sharks move have sparked concerns about how he will be received if players are forced to go. After seemingly being let down by the Storm’s contract offer, Papenhuyzen startled the NRL community by releasing himself to talk with rival clubs.
If Papenhuyzen wishes to remain in Melbourne, the Storm offered him a lower-than-anticipated contract that would reduce his season salary from $950,000 to $750,000. The 26-year-old is now free to talk with other teams after declining the Storm’s offer. The Sharks have also surfaced as a possible destination for the explosive fullback after being strongly associated with the Eels and Bulldogs.
After failing to get past the first round of the NRL finals on several occasions, Craig Fitzgibbon may be considering rearranging his team. Although there are rumors that Nicho Hynes would return to fullback, Will Kennedy’s future with the team seems uncertain because his contract expires in 2026.
The Sharks may use the money they have freed up in their salary cap to try to sign Papenhuyzen. Aaron Woods, a former forward for Wests Tigers and NSW, thinks Papenhuyzen will finish his contract, which expires next year, then move on because the Storm are eager to promote some of the younger players. Sua Fa’alogo, a youthful celebrity, is among them.
“I believe that he will remain for this year. However, he is likely to search elsewhere. due of their desire to retain young Jonah Pezet. “They have a superstar in the lower grades named Fa’alogo,” Woods stated on Triple M Radio.
But according to sources, Kennedy and winger Ronaldo Mulitalo may have to depart in order to accept a $1 million deal for Papenhuyzen. Woods asserted that because Mulitalo is a well-liked player in Cronulla, the Sharks’ playing group might not be overjoyed by rumors of his departure.
“The Sharks, that came out of nowhere,” he continued. “They’re glad Will Kennedy is moving on. Ryan Papenhuzyen won’t go there for a meager salary if they sign him. Additionally, they will lose Ronaldo Mulitalo. And I am aware that he is well-liked by the lads, the club, and the neighborhood. Thus, that will be a significant loss.
