Ryan Papenhuyzen made a triumphant return to AAMI Park, delivering a dazzling 36-point performance as Melbourne triumphed decisively over the Wests Tigers.
The fullback was an unstoppable force throughout the match, scoring four tries and successfully converting nine goals, thereby establishing a new club record for most points scored in a game during the modern era.
His remarkable achievement surpasses the previous record held by Matt Geyer, who scored 34 points during a match in 1999 against the Wests Magpies.
Papenhuyzen’s tally marks the highest single-game points total recorded by any player since the inception of the modern era.
Ryan Papenhuyzen celebrates with his teammates after scoring a try against the Wests Tigers. Mike Owen via Getty Images
His exceptional performance nearly reached 40 points, but a late try in the 78th minute was denied by the Bunker.
“It was a [fun day out],” Papenhuyzen expressed in an interview with Fox League following the match.
“I was just opportunistically collecting many of those tries. You never anticipate that in a game.”
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The 26-year-old ignited his team’s electrifying 64-point demolition with a hat-trick in just 17 minutes at the start of the match against a beleaguered Tigers side.
His first try came in the third minute, where he kept the play alive with two perfect kicks, allowing him to ground the ball in the corner.
Papenhuyzen partnered with Xavier Coates to move the ball along the line and create an overlap, with Coates returning the ball to the fullback for another score.
“He is moving beautifully … absolutely flying, just like Melbourne, and so is their fullback,” stated Michael Ennis on Fox League.
Ryan Papenhuyzen of the Storm celebrates after scoring a try. Mike Owen via Getty Images
With his scoreboard contributions, Papenhuyzen extended Melbourne’s lead to 16 points after receiving a precise pass from a short goal-line dropout, bursting through a gap in the Tigers’ defence.
Josh King, Jahrome Hughes, and Nick Meany added to the scoreline, culminating the first half with a commanding 34-point advantage.
Papenhuyzen’s display was far from finished, as he scored his fourth just five minutes into the second half.
“He’s having an afternoon,” noted Ennis.
As he converted tries from Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Eliesa Katoa, and Cameron Munster, the Storm reaffirmed their status as serious contenders for the premiership.
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