Storm brotherhood and personal growth sway Paps to stay

They say money talks, but when it came time for Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen to decide on his next move, his growth as a person spoke louder than the growth of his bank account.

The 2020 Clive Churchill Medalist admits the Storm’s initial offer of a three-year deal on reduced salary was ‘a bit of a hit to the ego’, but after careful consideration he decided Melbourne was where he needed to be, signing a one-year extension through to the end of 2026.

“I’m human, if you get a job offer and it’s lower than what you’re actually on, you’re going to be a bit upset but then I realised it’s the best decision to stay here,” Papenhuyzen said.

“I was a bit disheartened at first [with the offer], but after sitting on it for a while it was more than money, it’s a growth decision - we have built this thing together and I just want to see it out.

“I’m actually really lucky, I’m at a great club, I’m around great people and I’ve got great support.

“I was talking to one of the owners [Matt Tripp] and told him I wasn't really comfortable signing a three-year deal purely based off I want to get back playing, back enjoying myself, and that's when the one-year extension got offered up.

"After missing quite a few games the last few years I’d rather get back into rhythm and prove to those people at the club that I've still got what I need to be a premiership player and a valuable player at the club.

“People take security [of a long-term deal] for different reasons but I didn’t really need to focus on family or down the track. I’m just focused on now.

“From a growth perspective, being here in Melbourne and being around the people I’m around, that’s another factor in the decision as well. It’s more than footy.”

Coming off a season in which he played 20 of the Storm’s 27 games, including the last 11 in a row, Papenhuyzen commanded plenty of interest from rival clubs after baulking at the Storm’s initial offer, but his heart and his head won out.

“It's nice knowing you're wanted by other clubs but I do value this club a lot," he said.

"They have been with me through my injuries and I want to give back. I feel like I still have a lot to give.

“I’m part of something bigger than myself and trying to achieve the main goal. People are buying in and it’s a hard environment to find anywhere else.

“As part of the leadership group you have your fingerprints on there as well.”

Another of the Storm's leaders, Jahrome Hughes, joined 'Paps' for a run this week as the intensity builds towards the 2025 season and a shot at redemption after the grand final loss to the Panthers.

"I had my plates and screws removed out of my ankle and had my first run in six weeks on Wednesday," Papenhuyzen said.

"I was running with Hughesy who is still dealing with a bit of a neck issue, so we were just chatting about our break and some plans for next season.

"It was good to get back and see the boys smiling and you realise how much you miss being around the group.

"I've always been quite big on what we have here and the direction we are moving and what we are building as a squad."