"Pap has met with R360": Storm CEO on superstar's exit

Ryan Papenhuyzen's future is more than likely overseas, according to Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski, who is adamant the star will not join a rival NRL club and could be the first player to defect to R360.

With a year to run on his current deal, the fullback was granted an early release by his club who confirmed the news with a cryptic sentence.

"Papenhuyzen has decided to take a break away from the game to consider his future," it said.

For the last six months, Papenhuyzen has been one of about 10 big name NRL players linked with a move to the high-paying rebel league, R360.

Pushed for more information about the 27-year-old's plans, Rodski was coy but did not rule it out.

"It could be anything," he said on SEN. "Remaining in rugby league, there’s speculation about R360, that could be on the cards. I genuinely don’t know.

"From my discussions with him, I don’t think he knows either. He’s definitely had a conversation with them.

"There's the ban for 10 years if they go to a non-affiliated league and that probably rattled a few players.

"Regardless of that, Ryan is taking time away to decide what’s best for him."

Last week, NRL Chairman Peter V'landys announced any player or manager defecting and signing for the rebel league would be hit with a 10-year ban from the Australian league.

"I never really subscribed to it being a massive threat to the game," he continued. "I thought maybe eight or so might sign up. I didn’t think it was going to disrupt the NRL.

"The ban will rattle some and make them reconsider if they want to do it. It's a significant and hefty policy that’s been put in place. The NRL wants to stamp this out quickly.

"If it fails they would have thought they can come back to the NRL. I’m not sure you would want to take that risk.

"NRL is flying at the moment, there’s a lot of money in the player pool, there’s new teams coming in so the player market will be heavily inflated."

Papenhuyzen finishes up at Storm with an impressive 635 career points, including 77 tries and 160 goals.

Asked how he felt about the propect of seeing him in a rivals' colour, Rodski doubled down on his prediction Papenhuyzen is not looking for an Australian club.

"In the end we wanted to do what’s best for Ryan," he said. "He’s an absolute cult hero but this is a sad day in many ways.

"We determined that for both parties this was the best option.

"It would be hard to see him in other colours. I don’t think he will, I don’t think that’s why he wants the release. I genuinely think it will be overseas or not at all.

"If he did do that, it would be sad. It would be tough to see him in another team’s colours.

"He’s been down in Melbourne for a long time, the pull to go home (Sydney) might be on his mind (but) I will be surprised if he’s at another NRL club."

In a statement released by the club on Thursday, Papenhuyzen said: “I’ve loved my time at Melbourne Storm. I’ve enjoyed close to a decade of incredible memories and experiences in the purple jersey. Playing in front of the Storm fans every week has made my time in Melbourne something I’ll never forget.

“I want to thank the Club for their understanding and support throughout this process.

“I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and staff for all their love and support, it’s been a privilege playing footy and working with you.”