Off-contract Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen has vowed to try and sort his future by the start of next season, while denying he is being driven by money.
Papenhuyzen remains one of the highest-profile players on the open market for 2026, after becoming free to talk to rival clubs earlier this month.
Canterbury are believed to be interested in the Storm star, while Parramatta also expected to be another option for the 26-year-old.
Papenhuyzen has been offered a deal close to $750,000 a year to stay at the Storm until the end of 2028, but it is thought he could command more money in Sydney.
There are also other lures to Sydney, having grown up in Rouse Hill and with his family still in western Sydney. Papenhuyzen’s partner also lives in Sydney.
His future has ramifications with rivals expecting Samoan whiz kid Sua Fa’alogo to become free if Papenhuyzen stays in Melbourne.
But Papenhuyzen is adamant his main concern is winning premierships and is looking for the right environment to achieve his dream.
The fullback knows Melbourne already offers this but continues to watch with interest on several other moves at the Storm.
“There is a lot of narrative going around about it being based on money, which is quite easy to speculate about,” Papenhuyzen said on Triple M in Melbourne.
“But that is something I have been strong on the whole time, it’s not about money. I want to win premierships.
Ryan Papenhuyzen (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)
“I know my career only has so long in it. You want to be in the best environment with a great mindset and good roster.
“Melbourne definitely do have that for sure, but we have had a couple of people leave lately that I am waiting to see who we can get in those positions to fill in.”
The No.1 was a Clive Churchill Medallist in Melbourne’s last grand-final win in 2020, but has played only 50 games in the four years since then due to injuries.
“I think a decision will come before the season,” Papenhuyzen said.
“I don’t think I will drag it into the season. I know the effect it has on your teammates dragging it out.
“I feel like I will come to a decision before games are played. But right now it is just sitting there weighing all options up.”
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