Former NRL WAG Emma MacDonald breaks silence on split from Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen

By MEGAN WATTS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 11:03 BST, 7 May 2025 | Updated: 11:44 BST, 7 May 2025

Emma MacDonald is opening up about her separation from NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen.

The influencer and former girlfriend of the Melbourne Storm fullback took to TikTok on Wednesday to share a series of clips revealing that she was apartment hunting in Sydney after life threw her a ‘curveball’. 

Despite the move being ‘a big shock’, ‘a big change’ and ‘very unexpected’, Emma said she couldn’t wait to move back after relocating to Melbourne to be with the rugby player. 

‘I am so excited to be back in Sydney with my friends and family,’ she said in the clip, which has amassed 156.8K views since it was posted. 

‘The way I look at it, it’s a good thing and a whole new chapter, where I can just focus on myself and grow by myself as a person.’

In another clip posted to the platform, she thanked her fans for their support in the caption.

Emma MacDonald (pictured) is opening up about her separation from NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen 

Despite the move being ‘a big shock’, ‘a big change’ and ‘very unexpected’, Emma said she couldn’t wait to move back after relocating to Melbourne to be with the rugby player (left) 

‘So soppy but truly EVERYTHING happens for a reason,’ she said.

‘If I didn’t start posting I wouldn’t have this amazing community to get me through this.’

She added: ‘Reading all your comments genuinely is making me feel SO much better. 

‘I am forever grateful for you all, wish I could repay u all.’ 

The social media star then went on to document her house hunting experience – with no luck.  

Rugby star Ryan debuted his romance with Emma on social media in August, after confirming he was ‘off the market’ earlier in the year.

The Melbourne Storm ace — originally from Sydney — first teased that he was ‘locked up’ two months before.

Ryan posted an image of himself alongside Emma with the caption, ‘pookie era’.

Rugby star Ryan debuted his romance with Emma on social media in August, after confirming he was ‘off the market’ earlier in the year

The fashion TikToker also shared a photo of the pair at Ryan’s game the Saturday before, which sent followers into a frenzy. 

‘You and Pap. OMG,’ one user wrote below the post.

In June, Ryan let slip his relationship status while appearing on the Ausmerican Aces podcast with teammates Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.

‘Yeah boys, I don’t live the single life any more,’ the fullback announced.

‘Is that exclusive?’ Cameron and Jarome pressed, to which Ryan responded reluctantly, ‘Could be.’

After Cameron and Jahrome encouraged him to rephrase so his unidentified partner wouldn’t be ‘filthy’, Ryan repeated: ‘Yeah boys I don’t live the single life anymore.’

‘There’s no launches yet, it’s very early stages,’ he added.

When quizzed by Munster and Hughes about the mystery woman, Papenhuyzen remained tight-lipped.

Ryan posted an image of himself alongside Emma with the caption, ‘pookie era’

‘So you’re seeing someone?’ Cameron said, to which Ryan replied: ‘Yes.’

‘Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane?’ Jahrome questioned.

‘It doesn’t matter,’ Ryan replied.

Meanwhile, some fans admitted they were confused because they had been under the impression that Ryan was still dating Australian Diamonds and West Coast Fever netball star Kelsey Browne.

The sporting pair split in 2022 after three years together.

He was later linked to two-time Olympic swimming champion and world record holder Ariarne Titmus.

:
Former NRL WAG Emma MacDonald breaks silence on split from Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk