NSW coach Brad Fittler has questioned where Ryan Papenhuyzen fits into the Storm lineup come finals time, with the superstar returning from a lengthy injury layoff last weekend.
The 25-year-old came off the bench in Melbourne's Round 26 victory over the Titans, playing through the middle for the last quarter of the game, but will reclaim his No.1 jumper for the side's final-round showdown with Brisbane.
Nick Meaney has filled in for the majority of the year at the back and become one of the club's most reliable players, but could find himself on the outer heading into September.
While the stand-in fullback has been rested for Round 27, many are questioning which way Craig Bellamy will lean for the Storm's finals fixtures, with a return meeting with the Broncos potentially slated for the opening week.
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NRL legends divided over Ryan Papenhuyzen return
Speaking on the latest edition of Freddy And The Eighth, Fittler admitted his question marks over Papenhuyzen and his ability to play the entire 80 minutes at fullback after recovering from a serious knee injury.
"I’m still not sold on what he will do in the semi-finals," he said.
"I think he’s as valuable on the bench as he is playing a full game at fullback. Him coming on would be a nightmare if the game slowed down a little bit… just coming on somewhere.
“It’s an opportunity though, given where they are and the way the ladder sits."
As a former Clive Churchill Medal winner and grand final hero, Papenhuyzen has the experience in his corner when compared to Meaney, who has been used sporadically at the Storm and previously featured for the lowly Bulldogs.
Despite his tremendous form throughout 2023, Andrew Johns believes that Meaney will have to make way or shift roles in order to accomodate the mullet-rocking speedster and allayed fears over his fitness.
"Not a worry in the world for me, it’s like riding a bike [for Papenhuyzen]," he said.
“I feel for Nick Meaney, he’s probably been their most consistent player all year.
"I think they’re a big show now the Storm. Two weeks ago, Penrith and Brisbane were high-balling out in front… with injuries to Luai, Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan – I think they’ve come right back to the pack.
"I don’t think there’s much between a lot of the teams now."
Ryan Papenhuyzen vs Nick Meaney NRL stat comparison
| Papenhuyzen (2022) | Meaney (2023) | |
| Games | 12 | 22 |
| Tries | 14 | 10 |
| Try Assists | 9 | 11 |
| Linebreaks | 13 | 8 |
| Tackle Breaks | 65 | 83 |
| Avg. Run Metres | 120m | 145m |
