Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has flown to the US for treatment with the same specialist who helped Latrell Mitchell and will also later work with Tom Trbojevic.
Papenhuyzen, who jetted off to Philadelphia on Monday, is still yet to run since suffering a season-ending knee injury against the Raiders and is unlikely to play in round one this year, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Papenhuyzen will be working with Bill Knowles, a world-renowned specialist who specialises in developing and implementing reconditioning strategies for athletes following injury.
Knowles has worked with a host of high-profile athletes during his 33-year career to date, including Tiger Woods, Andy Murray, Peyton Manning and Frank Lampard among others.
“This is an opportunity to progress my rehab,” Papenhuyzen told the club’s website.
“I don’t want to go into this with any expectations. I just want to go in and do my best and see how I come out after that. I’ll be learning new things, knowing it’s going to be tough.
“I’ve jumped at the opportunity. I like to do these type of things that are a little bit different.
“I’ve got work to do to get back to where I want to be. I know I still have a long way to go.”
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Papenhuyzen was at his brilliant best when on the field last season, scoring 13 tries to go with 10 try assists, 13 linebreaks, 12 linebreak assists and 42 tackle busts from just 12 games.
It has been a frustrating road back to the top for Papenhuyzen but one he understands will be worth it in the long run.
“My time will come I think. It’s just about getting through these parts of the process now,” he said.
“It’s a journey but any career is a bit of a journey. If I experience these hardships now, hopefully I get a bit of luck at the end of (my career). It’s all part of it.”
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Storm CEO Justin Rodski, meanwhile, said the club is “confident” Papenhuyzen will be back on the field “as soon as possible”, describing the work with Knowles as an “important step” in the fullback’s recovery.
“Bill Knowles comes highly recommended following the work he has done with a number of sporting stars across many sports who have been in a similar situation to Paps,” Rodski said.
“We know Paps will leave no stone unturned to get his body right and we are confident he will be back out on the field as soon as possible.”
