After an ugly 2022 finish, the Storm’s hunger returns in the preseason.
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Melbourne Storm star Ryan Poppenhuysen is not yet running as he continues to hit milestones in his recovery from the shocking knee cap that ended his season in July.
But the flat-footed fullback is moving well enough to play golf and will put a spring in his step in Thursday’s training session after taking the Pro-Am at the Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club.
Papenhuyzen has been working golf into his recovery routine “some time ago” after getting the all-clear from his surgeon and while he waits for the green light to walk again.
He was buzzing after his win, playing alongside former AFL player turned podcaster Dylan Buckley, musician Sam Marghan and German professional Welton Meyer.
But after a recovery period which he admitted was “a bit up and down” he was hoping to be running strong before Christmas with his eyes on a Round 1 return.
“It’s not always a smooth line, as I say, so it’s kind of getting my head around it and making sure I’m doing the right thing here and there,” Poppenhuysen. said after celebrating the golf victory.
“And if I’m going to play golf, I make sure that my recovery is as long as possible and then I make sure that I can train to not go backwards.
“I’m not racing yet but hopefully before Christmas and then it will give me a good timeline to be good for Round 1.”
Papenhuyzen said there was a “fresh” feeling around the Storm with senior players including the Browmich brothers, Jesse and Kenny, heading to the Dolphins as well as Brandon Smith’s Roosters.
But the players were given no respite by coach Craig Bellamy who told them pre-season, his last in charge, would be his “toughest ever” as he had to atone for the first week’s exit. Want. The final
“I feel like the people who are coming in have kind of a point to prove and the appetite is going through the roof,” Papenhuyzen said.
“So to see that yes, we’re a little less experienced, but I think you can make up for it in other areas. And I think the appetite side of things is probably something that we’ve had in the past. The year was short.
“So yeah, it’s good to see and everyone has been positive and there aren’t too many people in rehab, which is always a good sign.”
