Four tries in 11 minutes is a extraordinary performance in anyone’s book but Melbourne’s star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen still wasn’t satisfied with his game.
The 22-year-old blitzed the Broncos in the first half at AAMI Park to set up the 40-6 victory and end the Storm’s two-game losing streak.
While pleased to get across the line four times to match the club’s try-scoring record, Papenhuyzen wasn’t particularly pleased with the other 69 minutes.
“I thought I had some pretty sloppy involvements early on,” Papenhuyzen said.
“I threw the pass that led to Brisbane’s first try and even throughout the game I felt I was a little bit off so I went back to what I pride myself on, which is pushing around the ball and got lucky a few times.
“Overall I probably thought I had an OK game, not an outstanding game.
“Four tries just makes it look pretty.”
The statistics however tell a different story with 292 run metres, 10 tackle breaks, two line breaks, a try assist and four goals to add to his haul.
Papenhuyzen felt his teammates deserved as much praise for setting up the four-pointers for him to finish off.
He said Billy Slater was also behind his stunning rise, with the retired great contacting him every week to help with his game.
“I’m so lucky that I picked to come to the Melbourne Storm because things like that, you don’t have access to it at other clubs,” Papenhuyzen said.
“He’s been the best fullback in the game and he’s willing to share everything with me so I’m grateful for it.”
Despite Storm coach Craig Bellamy believing he was closing the gap on James Tedesco, Papenhuyzen said the Roosters ace was “next level” and he didn’t think he was any chance of dislodging him for the NSW Origin No.1 jersey.
“I think he’s (Tedesco’s) got that pretty locked up – he’s unreal and he deserves to keep it,” he said.
“I was stoked to be named in the squad last year and I’d just be happy to be in it again.”