In a sensational crossover move, Geelong Football Club has officially signed Melbourne Storm’s star fullback, Ryan Papenhuyzen, in a deal valued at $2 million. The switch, which has sent shockwaves through both the AFL and NRL, marks a historic moment in Australian sports, as Papenhuyzen transitions from rugby league to Australian Rules football in what is reported to be one of the most lucrative contracts for an AFL player to date.
Papenhuyzen, known for his blistering pace and game-breaking abilities on the rugby league field, has been a pivotal player for the Storm, leading the club to multiple NRL premierships. His transfer to Geelong has been the subject of rumors for weeks, but the deal was confirmed early this week after successful negotiations between the two clubs. The Cats, fresh off a strong AFL season, have clearly invested heavily in Papenhuyzen, betting that his athleticism and competitive nature will translate seamlessly to AFL.
Geelong’s head coach Chris Scott expressed his excitement over the signing, stating, “Ryan is an extraordinary athlete with a winning mindset. We’re confident he’ll make an impact and adapt quickly to the demands of AFL.”
Papenhuyzen, 26, is equally enthusiastic about the move. “This is a new challenge that I’m really excited to take on,” he said. “I’ve always admired the AFL, and after talking with the Geelong team, I felt this was the right time for me to make the switch.”
The $2 million deal, which spans multiple years, sets a new benchmark for AFL signings and could potentially open the door for more cross-code moves in Australian sports. All eyes will now be on Papenhuyzen as he embarks on this groundbreaking journey with Geelong.
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