Ryan Papenhuyzen might already be a Clive Churchill Medallist, but his game has taken a big step forward over the off-season, according to rugby league legend Peter Sterling. Having established himself as one of the stars of the competition in 2020, the 22-year-old was a stand-out in the defending premiers' 26-18 win over Souths in the season-opener at AAMI Park. Papenhuyzen scored two tries himself, and had a hand in another, in a performance that caught the eye of Sterling. Of particular note was the pass that resulted in Justin Olam scoring under the posts. With the Storm having made a 70-metre break on the previous play, Jahrome Hughes played the ball in centre field. The ball went to Papenhuyzen, and with the Souths left-side defence stretched, many would have thrown a long-ball to the Storm outside backs. Instead, Papenhuyzen turned the ball back inside for Olam, who went over virtually untouched beside the posts. Noted for his pace, Papenhuyzen used it to his advantage for the first of his two tries against Souths, allowing him to create space where none apparently existed. Having put Kenny Bromwich into space, Papenhuyzen backed up on the inside to complete the play.
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