FINALS
A letter written by Billy Slater on the eve of the Telstra Premiership Grand Final provided Ryan Papenhuyzen with the last dose of conviction to emulate champion Non1 on the big stage
Papenhuyzen added his name alongside Slater in winning the Clive Churchill medal after Storm’s 26-20 victory in the Telstra Premiership grand final on Sunday night
This was the sixth time a Storm player has been judged better on the court in an NRL premier decision maker, joining Billy Slater (twice), Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis and Brett Kimmorley
After reflecting on his accomplishments securing a prime ministerial post and a medal from Clive Churchill just 42 games into his career, Papenhuyzen referred to Slater’s words that led to Sunday’s pick
« He typed in a message that I was able to read yesterday, it’s a nice time to think Billy Slater is writing you a letter wishing you good luck for a grand finale, » Papenhuyzen said
« It’s pretty amazing He’s not holding anything back, he’s an open book I spoke to him a few times before this game and he was really good
« He said [he] remembered a few conversations we had like me going to see Bill when I was third [back] and asking him what I needed to do to be a part of the team
« He said he had thought about it and that I was going to be good from that day forward [in the letter] Just that stuff, I didn’t know at the time he thought about it but l ‘hearing from him was really special
« It’s amazing to think about it now. Hope [my story] gives hope to people in a similar position and hope they try to emulate her
« They said if you work hard you get your chance I didn’t get a chance at the back [to start my career] it was off the bench and I just had to solidify myself in the side
Once considered a third-string full-back behind Jarome Hughes and Scott Drinkwater, the 22-year-old’s journey to becoming the club’s top fullback began shortly after Slater left the club in 2018
Inspiration also came from another Queenslander by the name of Cameron Smith Papenhuyzen smiled as he spoke of the champion half-model, who may have played his last game on Sunday night
« His leadership, you don’t see that, just the way he speaks in big moments, » Papenhuyzen said
« He motivates me, if I don’t have him next to him, that’s why he’s so awesome You’ve always heard that Slater, Cronk, and Smith were white grubs [growing up in NSW]
« I remember thinking about it and going down to Melbourne, but [Smith] is like a father figure I saw him, my family saw him, everyone saw him
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« I don’t think he deserves a lot of the things that he police in the media He’s awesome and wants to make everyone better He’s the best player for a reason »
Papenhuyzen’s reward for success didn’t end there overnight with livewire Non1 selected to Brad Fittler’s NSW squad for Origin I on November 4th
He expects to play the second violin role behind NSW full-back James Tedesco but is happy to play anywhere with the aim of playing a part in the series
« He’s really cool and it’s a huge honor Just to be named to the team I’m thrilled A Blues jersey is a Blues jersey »
According to data from Telstra Tracker, he racked up 46 high-speed efforts of 20 km / h or more during the match, breaking the 2020 record previously held by Eels captain Clint Gutherson
He hit a top speed of 356 km / h when he scored his runaway trying to be the fastest player in the match as well
Clive Churchill Medal, Melbourne Storm, National Rugby League, Penrith Panthers, NRL Grand Final
News from around the world – UA – To the letter: Slater inspires Papenhuyzen to himself run away with the Clive Churchill medal
SOURCE: https://www.w24news.com
