Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen says he is happy to come off the bench in his side’s finals campaign despite scoring a try in his first start of the year in the win over the Broncos.
Both teams fielded under-strength line-ups despite the minor premiership being on the line for the Broncos, as the Storm ran out 32-22 winners at Suncorp Stadium.
Papenhuyzen, playing in the No.1 jersey for the first time this season, was one of four tryscorers for Melbourne, with Grant Anderson and debutant Sua Fa’alogo registering doubles, while Reimis Smith also crossed over.
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Despite putting in an impressive performance, Papenhuyzen suggested that he is unlikely to return the No.1 jersey back to Nick Meaney when the finals start.
“Hopefully I’m just in the 17,” he told Nine.
“I feel like I’ve got something to offer and I know Meaney’s doing a good job, so it’s probably not going to be at fullback, but I don’t mind.
“I’ve won a premiership and I’ve got a taste for it and I just want to get back in that side and (win) another one.”
Papenhuyzen started the game at fullback, but played in the halves and in the ruck, suggesting Craig Bellamy will perhaps use him in a utility role for the Storm’s finals campaign.
”I had a bit of everything tonight,” he said.
“I’ve got a different appreciation for the game now. That was special, a few of the boys debuting and a squad that doesn’t usually play together.
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“We spoke about it all week, just the next man up (mentality) and I’m really proud of the boys, that was a really good effort tonight.”
Storm legends Cameron Smith and Billy Slater both agreed that Meaney, who was rested against the Broncos, was likely to be the starting fullback come finals time. Slater described the decision as a “wonderful headache” for his former coach to have.
“I think Craig Bellamy will stick with Nick Meaney at fullback, at least for this first semifinal in week one,” Smith said on commentary for Nine. “But we may see some changes throughout the finals series.”
“I think Craig Bellamy’s shown his hand by resting Nick Meaney. I think he thinks Nick Meaney is the fullback for the Storm at the moment,” Slater added.
“The season is just probably getting away from Paps a little bit in terms of the finals being upon us next week.
“He’s certainly in the frame for a bench spot I would imagine. He’s added some versatility, he can play in the halves or at fullback and he can just add an injection of energy and spark if needed off the bench in a final.”
Queensland great Paul Vautin said it would be “terrible” for Meaney to lose his starting spot having performed admirably in the No.1 jersey in Papenhuyzen’s absence for the majority of the year.
While several big names sat out of the contest, the Storm look to have unearthed one of the game’s brightest young stars, with Fa’alogo setting the stadium alight when brought on.
“He’s an absolute magician,” Papenhuyzen said of the Storm debutant.
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“He’s been doing it in the Queensland Cup for enough time now and he deserved his shot.
“It’s just unfortunate, he’s probably playing NRL week-in, week-out at another club, but he had to bide his time and that’s what he gets the fruits for now.
“He’s a special player, so keep an eye out for him.”
The win briefly lifted the Storm up into third on the ladder, but they could slide back down to fourth if the Warriors beat the Dolphins on Saturday.
Brisbane will slide down to second if the Panthers beat the Cowboys at home on Saturday.