Papenhuyzen’s reminder as Storm end Souths’ last hope
Ryan Papenhuyzen has shown the first real glimpses of his electrifying best this season, starring in Melbourne’s 28-16 win over South Sydney.
One month out from the finals, Papenhuyzen broke into full flight for the first time in 2024 as he scored a try and set up another at Accor Stardium on Thursday night.
For Souths, the loss means the last rites can now officially be read on their miserable season, with the Rabbitohs no mathematical possibility of making finals.
But Melbourne will want to believe they themselves are only just starting to warm up.
The Storm looked as if they were capable of putting 50 points on the Rabbitohs during the first half, dominating the ruck and rolling through the middle.
But the visitors were guilty of switching off in the second half, almost letting a 26-4 lead evaporate.
Still there were clear positives after last week’s shock loss to St George Illawarra, which reduced their gap at the top of the table over Penrith to two points.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona had the best game of his previously out-of-sorts season, playing on an edge and barging through three men for a first-half try.
Jahrome Hughes continued his strong form with a hand in two tries, as he prepares for next week’s blockbuster showdown with Penrith and Nathan Cleary.
And then there was Papenhuyzen, who has struggled for consistent time on the field after two years of injuries and fresh questions being asked over his future.
The fullback scored a try when he loomed up on the inside to finish a Tyran Wishart bust, as Melbourne benefited from regular quick play-the-balls through the middle.
But the 2020 Clive Churchill Medallist’s best was still to come, when he took a ball on his own 30-metre line in the second half and split Richie Kennar and Jacob Gagai.
From there the 26-year-old sprinted down field to put winger Grant Anderson over, giving Melbourne fans a glimpse of what could be ahead during an otherwise uninspiring second half.
Papenhuyzen was far from perfect, also throwing an intercept for rookie Souths winger Fletcher Myers to score and dropping a simple kick in the second half.
And while questions remain over his future with rising star Su’a Faalogo looming at the Storm, there is no question that Melbourne need Papenhuyzen at his best if they are to challenge Penrith for this season’s premiership.
For Souths, the end of their season now can’t come soon enough ahead of Wayne Bennett’s return as coach this summer.
It appears unlikely Latrell Mitchell will return from his foot injury with the Rabbitohs out of finals contention and the fullback still in a moon boot for at least another fortnight.
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