Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has reacted strongly to comments made by former teammate Brandon Smith, as the ongoing contract negotiations for both players continue to capture attention.
Smith, the No. 9 for the Sydney Roosters, has stirred controversy after suggesting the Storm had correctly valued Papenhuyzen’s future at the club, citing the fullback’s injury history. Papenhuyzen, who has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, has only managed 30 games over the past three years, prompting Smith to claim the Storm’s offer, which sees Papenhuyzen’s salary drop from $950,000 to $750,000 per season, was justified.
On the ‘Cheese and Jam’ podcast, Smith remarked, “I don’t think they [the Storm] undervalued him. If you look back in the last three years, he’s played 15-odd games. That would have been a part of the decision-making process. We can’t continue to pay this guy $1.1m when he’s playing 30 per cent of the season. He’s small and he’s fragile.”
While Papenhuyzen has certainly struggled with injuries, he’s still managed to score 29 tries in those 30 games, showcasing his immense talent when healthy. His performances when fit have cemented his reputation as one of the top fullbacks in the game. However, Smith’s comments have not gone down well with the Storm, with journalist Danny Weidler reporting that the club was unimpressed by the Roosters hooker’s remarks about their player.
The comments come at a time when Smith’s own future at the Roosters is under scrutiny. Speculation is mounting that the club may not extend his contract beyond 2025, despite Smith currently earning a significant $850,000 per year. With the Roosters looking to clear salary cap space for potential recruitment, including a possible play for key players, Smith’s future remains uncertain.
Papenhuyzen’s contract saga also remains unresolved. With his salary offer being significantly reduced, rival NRL clubs, including the Bulldogs, Eels, and Sharks, have all been linked to the dynamic fullback in recent weeks. While a move away from the Storm seems unlikely in the short term, Papenhuyzen’s options are wide open as he navigates a critical period in his career.
As for Smith, while his future at the Roosters is still up in the air, his public comments about his former teammate have only added fuel to the fire, making this ongoing saga one to watch closely as both players weigh their next moves.
