Concern for Storm as Ryan Papenhuyzen limps off with ankle injury

The Melbourne Storm will be anxiously awaiting the results of scans on star player Ryan Papenhuyzen after he limped off with an ankle injury during their narrow 22-20 victory over the Gold Coast Titans.

Papenhuyzen, who was visibly in discomfort as he left the field, is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain according to Fox League’s Niko Pajarillo. The fullback will undergo scans on Sunday to determine the extent of the injury, leaving the Storm sweating on his availability for upcoming matches.

The clash at Cbus Super Stadium was a thrilling and at times controversial affair, with the Titans mounting a comeback from 20-6 down to level the scores at 20 apiece in the 55th minute. However, a crucial penalty goal from Nick Meaney in the 68th minute proved to be the difference as the Storm held on for their seventh win of the season.

The victory was marred by a contentious decision from the Bunker, which awarded the Storm a penalty after ruling a strip by Titans winger Jojo Fifita on Nick Meaney. The call sparked outrage from Titans captain Kieran Foran and Fox League commentator James Graham, who both questioned the decision.

Despite the drama, Melbourne managed to secure the win with Papenhuyzen and youngster Sua Fa’alogo crossing for tries in the first half. The Titans fought back valiantly but were unable to overcome the Storm’s resilient defense in the closing stages of the match.

With Papenhuyzen’s injury casting a shadow over the Storm’s victory, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his condition as Melbourne looks ahead to their next NRL Telstra Premiership fixture.