Melbourne Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen will make his long-awaited return to the football field this weekend for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the QLD Cup.

The Storm flyer has been missing with injury since July, 2022.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet so I’m sort of just going through the training week and trying to prepare like it’s a normal game,” Papenhuyzen said.

“It’s just been a while between drinks. It’s had its ups and downs and setbacks, and it’s probably taken a little bit longer than expected but at the same time I’m happy I did that.

“There are so many people to thank, and I’ll probably save that for another day, but I think it’s a big milestone and I need to celebrate the small wins along the way, and this is another one of them.

“It’s a big step to be back after such a significant injury. I want to be playing NRL so I have a little bit to go to achieve the goals I want … I’ve just got to keep doing the work.”

The Storm currently equal second with the Warriors – behind Penrith and Brisbane.