Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen suffers ‘absolutely heart breaking’ ankle injury that casts doubt on his playing future just one year after shattering kneecap in 10 places
- Melbourne lost their qualifying final against Brisbane 26-0
- Papenhuyzen’s horror injury made the night much worse
- Comes after brave comeback to return from serious knee injury
The immediate playing future of Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen is in doubt after the he suffered a suspected compound fracture to his lower leg in the club’s 26-0 NRL finals loss to the Brisbane Broncos.
Papenhuyzen was injured last year when he broke his kneecap during a game against Canberra in July, with the bone breaking into 10 different pieces.
He was just three games back in his return bid when the shattering injury occured late in the finals match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The 25-year-old was visibly distraught as players created a shield around him for medics to attend to the injury, before being stretchered off to the applause of respectful Brisbane supporters.
The incident was reminiscent of a horror night in 2012 where former Bronco Jharal Yow Yeh suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in a match in Perth.
The former Broncos, Maroons and Australian representative fought gamely to return to rugby league but retired after being unable to complete a trial match.
Papenhuyzen knew he was in trouble right away and was distraught as medics tended to him on the field
The Storm fullback was three games back from his shocking knee injury from last season where he shattered the kneecap in 10 places
Papenhuyzen had made a strong comeback to the NRL in August, playing for 19 minutes in a game against the Gold Coast Titans at AAMI Park in a 37-16 Storm win.
Previously he had made tentative steps in his comeback with the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Queensland Cup.
Fans have been left shocked by the latest injury setback which has the potential to end the talented fullback’s career prematurely.
‘Not a fan of Storm at all but seeing Papenhuyzen cop another horrifying injury after only just getting back was deeply upsetting,’ a Brisbane supporter posted,
‘Gotta feel for Papenhuyzen mate, fella looked distraught, especially after bouncing back from that terrible injury,’ replied another.
‘Devastating. No matter who you’re rooting for, I don’t imagine there’s anyone watching whose heart didn’t sink just then. Thoughts are with Papenhuyzen, here’s hoping that wasn’t as bad as it looks,’ another fan posted.
Ryan Papenhuyzen of the Storm is taken off the field by stretcher after an ankle injury during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm
Winger Xavier Coates also limped off in the 70th minute as the Broncos broke a 5285-day losing drought against their arch enemies at Suncorp Stadium and qualify for a home preliminary NRL final in a fortnight.
Melbourne will play the winner of the Cronulla-Sydney Roosters elimination final in Melbourne next week.
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