Speculation over Ryan Papenhuyzen's future with the Storm has come to an end with the fullback inking a fresh one-year deal – but his time in purple could have been longer.
Papenhuyzen confirmed he will remain at the minor premiership-winning club until the end of 2026, with a mutual option for an additional year to be activated.
The 26-year-old was initially offered a three-year deal with the club but the proposed contract was a brutal hit on his ego, given it included a heavy pay cut.
"Initially, when the first offer came through I was a little bit disheartened and sort of thought, it's a hit to the ego taking a pay cut," he told reporters on Thursday.
"I just wanted to sit on that for a bit… I was speaking to one of the owners about how I'm not comfortable signing a three-year deal purely based off that I want to get back to playing and enjoying myself.
"After sitting on it for a while it was more than the money. It's a growth decision. [Because of that] the one-year extension was offered up."
Ryan Papenhuyzen during his NRL return for the Storm against the Titans. NRL Images
Craig Bellamy's star fullback has endured a horror run with injuries in recent years but showed signs of his best form late in the 2024 season.
His battle with injuries has restricted him to just 30 games in three years.
In 2024 alone, he featured 20 times and scored 13 tries with 11 assists.
Papenhuyzen's talent was not left untouched by teams searching the market with the fullback linked to join the Bulldogs and Sharks.
The 2020 Clive Churchill medallist admitted the interest from rival teams was comforting and confirmed his future security in the competition.
"It's the first time I've been off contract and I haven't had to deal with that sort of thing before," Papenhuyzen said.
"It was nice to know you were wanted but at the same time, I do value this club a lot.
"It's given me the opportunity to play NRL. It's taught me so much. It's been with me through my injuries, so I feel like it's just a place where I want to give back and I still feel like I've got a lot to give.
"I'm in. I'd rather get back into a rhythm and (prove to) those people back at the club that I still have what it takes to be a premiership player."
Papenhuyzen dismissed suggestions that the one-year deal was in a bid to get more money, declaring he is "backing [himself] to be a valuable member of the squad."
"It's been an environment where you've built this thing together and you just want to see it out and see some good things happen from it.
"I feel settled here."