The woman behind Clive Churchill Medallist Ryan Papenhuyzen

Ryan Papenhuyzen was crowned the 2020 Clive Churchill Medallist, after his team, the Melbourne Storm, took out the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night. 

The superstar fullback, 22, has no doubt had an outstanding season, with the support of his devoted girlfriend, Australian netball star Kelsey Browne, 28. 

Kelsey, who plays with the Collingwood Magpies in Super Netball, relocated to the Sunshine Coast to be with Ryan at his team’s quarantine accommodation. 

Earlier this week, Ryan revealed how Kelsey’s two premiership wins with the Australian Diamonds had become an inspiration, and a chance for him to ask advice. 

‘I will have to ask her for some advice this week about how she did it because she won two titles back-to-back,’ Ryan told NRL.com prior to his first grand final match.

‘Every now and then she gets a bit cheeky and tells me she has won two and I haven’t won one yet, so that is a bit of fire in the belly.’

Ryan added that while the sports are completely different, they have been able to bounce ideas and strategies off one another.

‘There are different experiences in netball and rugby league but we do share a lot of experiences that work for her and work for me. It is pretty cool,’ he said. 

On Sunday night, Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith led his team to a 26-20 victory against the Penrith Panthers.

Ryan scored an 80-metre solo try and made two tackle breaks at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium. 

He not only was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal but also guaranteed himself a spot in the extended squad for coach Brad Fittler’s New South Wales State of Origin game next month.    

‘He has [earned selection],’ Brad said in Nine commentary during the Grand Final. ‘Right there, baby!’