Few clubs that could make move for Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen after $750k deadline twist

A race involving up to six clubs is taking shape amid the news Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen could test his value on the open market, sparking a $1 million bidding war.

The gun fullback has previously made it clear his preference is to stay in Melbourne, but there’s now a major sticking point in negotiations — his salary.

The SMH is reporting Storm powerbrokers want to offer him only $750,000 on his new deal which marks a significant drop his from reported current $1.1 million salary, including endorsements.

Now Papenhuyzen’s set to hit the open market, and there’ll be no shortage of suitors ready to table bids for one of the game’s most talented fullbacks.

The Bulldogs and Dragons have already been linked with a play for his services, while the Eels emerged as a surprise landing spot mid-season.

So where could the superstar No.1 land?

EELS

Papenhuyzen has been consistently linked with a move to the Eels, with former Storm assistant Jason Ryles now the club’s head coach.

The gun fullback also played all of his junior football in Sydney, and also has a young nephew who lives in the area.

Ryles has made no secret of his goals to shake up the club’s top 30 roster ahead of his first season in charge, tapping several players on the shoulder.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard has already left for the Titans, while Gutherson’s departure is also looking likely.

So with cap space to play with, it makes sense for a club like the Eels to put their name in the hat to sign Papenhuyzen, who would be the kind of big fish the club is after.

Parramatta have also signed young gun Isaiah Iongi, so they’re clearly on the lookout for a fullback to potentially replace Gutherson.

Papenhuyzen could be the perfect man to complete what could be a dangerous spine, with Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown in the halves.

The Storm gun would also compliment Moses’ off-the-cuff attacking style, and his support play is second to none across the competition, especially when assisting after a line break.

BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs have been on a signing spree in recent seasons, and whenever a quality player is set to hit the open market, Phil Gould is prepared to throw his hat in the ring.

Connor Tracey was impressive at fullback this year for the Dogs, however he could easily shift to the wing or move into the centres.

Papenhuyzen’s signing could complete what is already a dangerous backline, with two players set to depart in the outside backs.

Jeral Skelton and Josh Addo-Carr have and are set to leave the club, opening up spots for the Canterbury club to recruit in their backline.

Marcelo Montoya has signed to return to Belmore but Gould won’t be sitting on his hands if Papenhuyzen is free to speak to rivals.

It remains to be seen where the Bulldogs will utilise their remaining cap space, with a lack of middle forwards one area where they will likely be targeting.

Tom Amone and Sitili Tupouniua are set to arrive in 2025, so the Bulldogs would have to do some salary cap juggling to welcome Papenhuyzen to the club in 2026.

However, the Bulldogs will be happy to reshape their salary cap if it means getting what could be one of the final pieces of their puzzle to mount a premiership push.