True Blue squad member Ryan Papenhuyzen says he’s gained more confidence in his knee after a week of intensive rehab in the United States, but he still doesn’t know when he will get back playing.
The popular Melbourne Storm fullback has been having two-hourly sessions, twice a day, with renowned trainer-conditioner Bill Knowles in Philadelphia.
In fact one of Knowles’ first questions to the 24 year-old was when he felt he could return to playing NRL.
“I just said I haven’t really thought about the date. I know I’ll come back but I want to come back when I’m right,” Papenhuyzen told SEN Radio.
“I want to get back to a level I can perform and once I’m there, we can start looking at dates.”
About to enter his fifth NRL season with the Melbourne Storm, Papenhuyzen is reminded of the importance of a proper pre-season.
His 2022 preparation was disrupted by ankle ligament trouble. But he did start Round One last year before a hamstring injury in Round Nine and then a fractured kneecap in Round 18, just three games into his comeback, ended his year.
“The thing that resonated with me here is the fact I want to come back and perform and not just come back,” he said.
“We’ve figured a way to do that without being pressured by outside noise – just sticking to the reconditioning process.
“It’s a lot of information to retain but I’m feeling better personally and the leg is feeling better, which is massive for me.”
Papenhuyzen said he was reaping…
