In his long-awaited return to the football field, Ryan Papenhuyzen showed no signs of nerves as he played a “pretty full 40 minutes” to help Storm feeder club Sunshine Coast Falcons keep their finals hopes alive.
Played in front of a healthy Sunshine Coast Stadium crowd - the largest attendance of the season according to club officials - Papenhuyzen ran out for his first game in 384 days since suffering a horrific kneecap fracture in Round 18 last year.
"He did a great job; I thought he got really busy too, which was great and it was a pretty full 40 minutes for him," Falcons coach Brad Henderson told NRL.com.
"I knew it was a good sign when he brought his kicking tees up with him.
"I'm glad he got through; I am really, really pleased for him."
Papenhuyzen started the match at fullback and played only the first half as was the plan outlined by the Storm to ease him back into the game and was involved in plenty from the get-go, kicking off the match.
As well as spending some time in the dummy half role, Papenhuyzen got his name on the scoreboard kicking two from three conversions, and helped set up the Sunshine Coast’s first try. He also made sure to get involved in defence early, showing no hesitation when attempting to bring down the bigger-bodied Ipswich Jets forwards.
While there were some murmurs from the crowd of “don’t hurt him”; Papenhuyzen seemed right at home back on the field where he played two seasons in the Hostplus Cup in 2018 and 2019.
“He seemed really happy to be here and we're certainly happy to have him," Henderson said.
"But look, Ryan's a real leader too, we found that out during the week.
"He spoke really well at our captain's run last night and he was really good in the sheds too.
"We're just really pleased he got through today ... and I thought he played a good game."
With Storm teammates including captain Christian Welch, forwards Harry Grant, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica and Trent Loiero and club coaching staff Todd Lowrie watching on in support, Papenhuyzen - and Storm centre and fellow Falcon Old Boy Justin Olam, who also featured in Saturday’s game before coming off late in the second half with what appeared to be an arm injury - were swamped by fans on the field after the fulltime siren.
Henderson said he was hopeful to have Papenhuyzen back in his side next week as the Falcons faced another must-win game against defending premiers Norths Devils as they aim for a finals berth.
"I think that's the plan, but that might change - a week's a long time in footy," Henderson said.
"We found out the other night that a couple of their players were late withdrawals, so we'll wait and see.
"But normally, if it's a Saturday game, which it is next week, we'll find out Tuesday afternoon, who we're going to have – hopefully he’s on board."
