‘It’s been a breeze’: Ryan Papenhuyzen flies through rehab after horrific injury and eyes round 1 return in preferred position

He’s endured three years of crippling injuries that have led some people to question his future in the sport, but Ryan Papenhuyzen can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

The Storm superstar is eyeing off the fullback spot for the round 1 blockbuster against Penrith.

It was only a few years ago that Papenhuyzen won the Clive Churchill Medal for his electrifying performance against the Panthers on grand final night, but he’s played just 30 games in the three years since thanks to a horrific knee injury in 2022 and a devastating ankle injury in last year’s finals.

The 25-year-old has remained positive and has flourished in the pre-season following a stint in the States, with Papenhuyzen looking to squeeze in a trial game for the Storm before the season opener on March 8.

There are no suggestions he will be eased back into the side despite the emergence of young gun Sua Faalogo, who is expected to come off the bench this season, with Nick Meaney shifting from fullback to left centre to replace Justin Olam, who is now at the Tigers.

“I’d say it’s looking pretty good,” Papenhuyzen replied when asked about the fullback battle.

“There’s a bit of competition. ‘Means’ has been training in the centres, so it’s between me and Sua at the moment.

“The way he goes about it, I think he deserves a rap. It’s easy for him to be filthy and sit out and not want to contribute, but he speaks in our meetings, he’s been running around on the wing, he’s asking me for help and he’s asking Billy (Slater) for help.

“I guess those sort of actions make me want to get better.

“It’s a good vibe at the moment, it’s a healthy competition and if he gets his go, then I’m sure he’ll thrive in that environment, but at the moment I want to be that No.1.”

The rugby league world desperately wants to see Papenhuyzen return to the sort of form that had him in the mix to make his State of Origin debut, only for the gruesome knee injury against Canberra to keep him out for more than a year.

Despite suffering back-to-back serious leg injuries, the fullback is in good spirits and says he’s hit 94 per cent of his top speed, which was recorded back in 2018 when he was a lot lighter.

“It’s been a breeze compared to the knee,” he replied when asked about his rehab.

“I’ve been back in the training and really turned the corner after I got back from the States this time. I feel like I’m ready to go. I’ll probably get a trial game in and round 1 is looking good at this stage.

“The last 18 months have been a massive self-discovery and self-journey, and I’ve learnt a lot.

“I’ve learnt a lot how to go about injuries. I’ve learnt a lot how to deal with people, how to deal with myself. And I only think those little tools will make you better for the long run.

“So while I’ve been out of the game physically, I think mentally I’ve grown and as a leader of the club, too.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot and can help out people in positions that I was in and guys who are coming through that feel like they need a bit of help.

“I feel really clear in my mind and I think being back on the field now that’s just cleared it all up.”