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Storm CEO provides injury updates on star fullback duo
Sam Kosack • February 24th, 2025 4:00 pm
Storm CEO Justin Rodski has revealed star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is no certainty for Round 1, however Sualauvi Faalogo is expected to play in his absence after being taken off in the side's latest trial as a precaution.
Papenhuyzen suffered a fractured kneecap in 2022, leading to the electric fullback missing the majority of the Storm’s 2023 campaign, before the Melbourne number one put together 20 games last season.
Rodski said that due to the team’s Round 2 bye, Papenhuyzen could potentially be rested for their first-round clash to ensure his soreness eases.
“We’re still hopeful for Round 1, but we also have a bye Round 2 so if there's any doubt heading into that Round 1 game id expect that we wouldn't play him,” Rodski told SEN 1170 Mornings.
“He obviously gets the extra week off with Round 2, then hopefully have him ready to go for Round 3 against the Panthers, grand final rematch at Aami Park.
“If he doesn't get up for Round 1, it's nothing serious, it's just taking a little bit longer than we would have liked and a little bit of soreness in the knee.
“He should be back Round 1, if not Round 1, then he’ll definitely be back in Round 3 which is great.”
With Papenhuyzen in some doubt, the sight of Sua Faalogo leaving the field early with a reported hamstring strain would have been a horror scene. However, the Storm CEO says Faalogo should be okay to play Round 1.
“Obviously, you don’t want to risk a player like that, particularly when he's there as our backup fullback should Ryan Papenhuyzen not play,” Rodski said.
“We took him off just after halftime… and again just had some tightness in the hamstring.
“He came off as a precaution. I think he’ll take the next week or two and make sure it’s rehabbed properly but he should be available for Round 1 and available for selection which is good news.”
The Storm will be hoping for at least one of their superstar fullbacks to be on board to continue their incredible Round 1 win streak. The Melbourne club has not lost a Round 1 fixture in 22 years and will be looking to extend that against the Parramatta Eels at Aami Park.
