The surprise inclusion of superstar Melbourne fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen for a round 1 home game the club demanded could prove the crucial element as the Storm looks to continue a stunning winning streak that has stretched for 22 years against Parramatta on Sunday. Storm captain Harry Grant said Papenhuyzen was ready despite battling knee and ankle issues during the pre-season, with the premiership fancies out to win their opening round match for the 23rd straight year, 21 of them under coach Craig Bellamy. Melbourne chief executive Justin Rodski confirmed his club wanted a home opener this weekend, with the opening round of the AFL moved north to Sydney and Brisbane and now reduced to just Friday and Sunday games due to Cyclone Alfred. Speaking on his podcast this week, Papenhuyzen said Bellamy had thrown him “under the bus” by declaring the fullback was doubtful to take on the Eels after missing both of his team’s trial games. “I had a little tear in my meniscus and while that’s sweet now I’ve got a little stitching from my knee surgery that’s calcified … that’s just caused a bit of irritation. “I’ve run the last couple of training sessions. It just seems to be one thing after the next, but it’s not too bad. I’ve just got to manage what it is. Hopefully, I get the all clear.” He was named in the team on Tuesday and Grant said Papenhuyzen was a “resilient bugger” and would take his place at AAMI Park on Sunday. “He’s just been training and completed all his training since off the back of that trial,” Grant said on Wednesday.
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