Melbourne star Ryan Papenhuyzen has been ruled out of this week’s clash with the North Queensland Cowboys, forcing a major reshuffle for Craig Bellamy’s side, already stretched by State of Origin absences and a growing injury list.
Papenhuyzen was withdrawn due to calf tightness, with the Storm opting to take a cautious approach to protect their superstar fullback from further setbacks.
Given Papenhuyzen’s run of serious injuries in recent seasons, the club is understandably unwilling to take any risks, particularly with him already having played the second-most games of any season across a stop-start five years.
The preliminary information suggests the fullbacks injury is minor and he should likely be named to return next round.
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His absence will see ever-reliable utility Tyran Wishart shift into the fullback role, while Jonah Pezet returns at five-eighth in his comeback from a 2024 ACL tear. Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown comes onto the bench.
If there is any silver lining in Papenhuyzen’s late scratching, it is that Pezet — a player who has shown glimpses of enormous potential before injury — will get another opportunity to stake his claim as a first grade calibre player.
On the Cowboys’ side, coach Todd Payten has already had to rule out former Origin winger Murray Taulagi, compounding his own representative absences. Braiden Burns will take Taulagi’s place on the flank.
Sitting 12th on the ladder, the Cowboys will no doubt take some relief in knowing the Storm will be without their dynamic fullback, further weakening a side already depleted by rep duties and injuries.
With so many big names missing for both teams, this shapes as a fascinating clash — one that is difficult to predict but high on stakes, with the Storm pushing toward a potential minor premiership while the Cowboys desperately try to keep their finals hopes alive.