Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured kneecap, and is expected to undergo surgery on Monday.
Papenhuyzen was forced off the field in the 19th minute of the Storm’s clash against the Raiders at AAMI Park following a nasty collision with Jack Wighton.
Wighton was making a break down the left wing when Papenhuyzen made a tackle attempt.
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Wighton’s knee collided with Papenhuyzen’s, and the Storm fullback immediately clutched at it.
“He’s had no luck has he,” league great Andrew Johns said on Nine’s coverage.
An official timeline on Papenhuyzen’s return is yet to be determined, with the dashing fullback’s hopes of returning this season seriously in doubt.
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The injury continues what has been a torrid run for 24-year-old fullback, who has managed just 11 appearances so far this season.
Papenhuyzen was denied a State of Origin jersey for the second year running after suffering hamstring and knee injuries earlier in the season.