The extension talks between Ryan Papenhyuzen and the Melbourne Storm have gone on a whole lot longer than either side was originally expecting with several contract clause sticking points still unconquered as Pappy looks to stay in the south.
Despite the nitty-gritty loggerheads between Papenhyuzen’s team and the Storm, however, both sides remain very confident a deal will be struck before too long.
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The Sporting Base understands the biggest sticking points are, 1) contract length, 2) a series of minor injury clauses the Storm would like to have loaded into the papered deal, and 3) some guarantee around role on Pappy’s side of things.
Papenhyuzen is already signed for next year on an $800,000 pay deal and wants to basically extend that out across another three years. The Melbourne bosses, who have one eye on Sua Fa’alogo, are a little hesitant to take Pappy all the way out to 2028 too; Fa’alogo is inked in for the next four NRL seasons and expects a crack at the number one eventually.
There are also several injury-related levers Melbourne’s brokers have pitched in talks.
None of these back and forths between the two negotiating parties are anything that can’t be solved without a pow-wow, though the Storm are growing a little worried that November 1 is fast approaching. If talks aren’t settled by then, rival clubs can throw their hat in the ring.
It’s understood Papenhyuzen doesn’t want to leave Melbourne, but should another interested NRL team come along with a blockbuster offer that’s both longer and closer to $800,000 to $1 million in pay, it may be too good for the 26-year-old superstar to refuse.
“We’re hoping to continue with Paps longer than his present contract,” Bunn explained while speaking on SEN Sports recently. “It’s pretty positive all our chats. Matt Tripp [the Storm chairman] is involved as well. He’s a really great salesperson, he’s passionate about what he does, so he’s given me a hand with the big dogs in Harry [Grant] and Paps.”
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The Storm are also preparing to welcome new recruit Stefano Utoikamanu next year.
