Melbourne Storm excitement machine Ryan Papenhuyzen knows there's every chance he might return to his bench role for next week's clash against the Bulldogs.
Papenhuyzen made an immediate impact in his first ever start in the NRL, with the 20-year-old sprinting 85m to score the opening try of the night during the Storm's last-gasp 24-22 victory over the Tigers at AAMI Park on Thursday night.
Every time he got the ball he looked dangerous and his performance on the last line of defence also won praise from Storm coach Craig Bellamy.
But Jahrome Hughes has been Storm's first choice fullback through the first nine rounds of the season and Papenhuyzen could see himself back on the interchange when the Kiwi returns from concussion next week.
While Papenhuyzen would love nothing more than continuing at the back, he's aware that Bellamy may choose to re-introduce Hughes to the starting side for the Storm's match against the Dogs on Sunday week.
"If Hughesy gets the spot next week, he gets the spot," Papenhuyzen said.
Match Highlights: Storm v Wests Tigers
"I am just happy to be in the side anywhere. He (Hughes) is playing good footy and unfortunately he had a concussion last week. So, I understand if he comes back into the side and I have to do a job somewhere else."
Papenhuyzen now has three tries from his last three appearances, with his 85m effort against the Tigers his most eye-catching.
While Papenhuyzen was more than happy to take the credit for the try, the Balmain product revealed he received some information from the coaching staff during the week that gave him the confidence to try the dashing run.
Papenhuyzen goes 85 metres
"We did a lot of video during the week and saw that he (Tigers fullback Moses Mbye) usually chases the kicks so we knew he wouldn’t be there for play one and two," Papenhuyzen said.
"I didn’t expect to break the line like that. I looked up and ... I had a big grin on my face because this never happens.
"Fortunately for me (Robbie) Farah slipped and the gap opened up. It’s something you really dream of, to see 70m in front of you in the NRL, so I will take it every day of the week."
Papenhuyzen also singled out recently retired champion Billy Slater for the work he continues to put in with the Storm's fullbacks through his mentoring role with the club.
"He (Slater) made that sure I knew what I was doing and even sent me a few clips on the way the Tigers defend," he said.
"He has been pretty impressive and I am pretty grateful he is here."
