NRL Report Good news for Melbourne Storm:He is back..

When will Ryan Papenhuyzen return?

Christian Welch, the captain of the Melbourne Storm, has given an update on star teammate Ryan Papenhuyzen’s condition. Ryan is recovering from a horrific string of injuries.

After breaking his kneecap in 2022 and missing more than a year of action, Papenhuyzen returned to the NRL shortly before the playoffs the previous year, but his stint was brief.

He sustained an ankle injury that prevented him from playing for the rest of the season, which prevented the Storm from being competitive and from being the crucial X-factor they needed in the finals. As a result, the team lost to the Penrith Panthers in the preliminary final.

Christian Welch has disclosed that the fullback plans to make a comeback in Round 1 of the upcoming season.

Welch told NCA Newswire, “It’s been a tough couple of years for him and I really empathize with those long-term injuries because I’ve had a few myself.”

“His attitude has been really positive.

The main thing, in my opinion, about having those injuries is that, occasionally, you may feel a little alone.

It’s natural to feel a little left out during the 27-week season when you’re not on the team, but he’s made it a point to stay involved and do whatever he can to support the boys.

“He prepared videos and strategies for the team to try to help, which was really helpful for us while he wasn’t on the field. He is a very thoughtful and introspective person, and these qualities have served him well in trying times.

“He’s starting to flourish now that we’re seeing him come out of those difficult times.”

Sua Fa’alogo and Nick Meaney are the clear front-runners to compete for the starting jersey if Papenhuyzen is sidelined for the team’s season opener.

Given that Nick Meaney will shift to the centers following Justin Olam’s departure to allow him and Papenhuyzen to be on the field simultaneously, Fa’alogo is more likely.

It wouldn’t be shocking, though, if Craig Bellamy moved Papenhuyzen to the interchange bench rather than off the roster once he returns.

Welch continued, “Having some of these weapons is exciting.”

“With Sua, Paps, and Nick Meaney playing every week in the NRL, you’ve got to have these guys playing every week in the NRL. Craig gets paid a lot, so he’s got to figure out how this is all going to work.”

It’s exciting to have those weapons at your disposal, but I’m not sure how they’re going to balance the bench and the backline.

“Sua has had an excellent preseason and appears to be as quick as ever, so there will be good competition for those outside back positions.

“We have two outstanding players: Will Warbrick and Xavier Coates.

“There’s a really competitive nature for all the outside back spots; it’s not just the fullbacks fighting for spots; Will played for New Zealand A, and Xavier won our player of the year award.”