NRL star addresses Rugby 360 speculation and reveals future plans after Melbourne Storm exit
The Clive Churchill Medal winner made a playful joke at fellow NRL star Zac Lomax, who is out of contract and is said to be keen on a lucrative R360 deal before the delay begins.
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“It’s funny that I was always pretty determined that next year was going to be a gap year for sports in general and the only thing I was going to play was golf, and I was pretty determined on that,” Papenhuyzen said.
“So once it shows up [the R360 delay]everyone is like ‘what are you going to do now?’ he said. But our plan was to take each year off, try a few things, and see how it goes.
“This plan doesn’t change for me, maybe more [Zac] Lomax.”
When the desire to play football arises in 2026, Papenhuyzen has tactics to stay the course and if he returns in the future, all options will be on the table.
“I’m not sure, but I’m sure if I had that feeling again, I would weigh all the options,” he said.
“But right now I’m looking at a blank canvas and I’m going to write the next chapter.”
‘All my friends and family think I’m signing somewhere, but I’m not playing.’
Ryan Papenhuyzen on his acting future in 2026.
Papenhuyzen said he mentors young athletes and relishes the chance to share some of the lessons he has learned from his years at the top of the NRL.
“Using my experience of having a life coach and loving the psychology side of things, I am currently performance coaching a few young athletes and have really enjoyed the beginnings of it,” he said.
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“I’ve really benefited from this in my career and hopefully I can share this message with people who are having trouble; that’s the first thing I’ll start with.
“I know I’m going to miss it at some point, but I also really enjoy all of this stuff. When my feet get itchy, I’m sure I’ll find other things to take my mind off it.”
Apart from that, he aims to travel, play golf, catch up with his family and do things he usually says “no” to due to his NRL commitments.
“Actually, I will be assistant to Daniel Gale at the Cathedral Invitational next week, this could be the new career,” Papenhuyzen said.
“You never know. But there are opportunities I may never have to make.” [usually] I was supposed to be back training next week, so I’ll focus on that sort of thing now.
