Sad twist for Billy Slater and wife after Ryan Papenhuyzen walks away from Melbourne Storm

Not many will be feeling the sadness of Ryan Papenhuyzen's decision to quit the NRL like Billy Slater and wife Nicole, after the couple took the Melbourne Storm star under their wing in recent years. It was no surprise that Papenhuyzen posted a photo of himself and Slater on Friday night when he revealed on social media he's "considering his future away from the game".

The Slater family have acted as mentors to Papenhuyzen during his time in Melbourne. Originally from Sydney, the fullback has previously described Billy and Nicole as his "second family", and they've invited him to stay in their family home on multiple occasions.

Back in 2022, Papenhuyzen suffered a devastating kneecap injury that kept him out of the game for over 12 months. When he finally returned he fractured his leg in just his third game back.

Billy Slater and wife's brilliant gesture for Ryan Papenhuyzen

During the tumultuous time, Papenhuyzen struggled with the mental side of not being able to play. But he credits Billy and Nicole for helping him stay on track and eventually get back to his best.

"The Slaters are the closest thing I have to a family down here (in Melbourne)," he said las year. "I’m like an older brother to their kids, and I even have my own bedroom now. Going to their farm, it’s an outlet.

“When I first did my ankle last year, I headed out to the farm for a week, and Nic had me on a quadbike with my foot up, feeding the animals. Billy understands what I’m going through. It’s good just to talk. I only hope I can mentor someone like that one day.”

Slater suffered some serious injuries of his own, and knew exactly what Papenhuyzen was going through. "Billy has been awesome. I am where I am now because of him," Papenhuyzen said.

"He went through such a long-term injury himself and understands how tough it is, but him and Nicole would invite me over to their place and we would just have a day out where we would not talk about footy. He understood the mental side of rehab and how you need to switch off sometimes and enjoy the company of others. I am just really grateful to them.

"They would invite me out to their farm. We'd go out and have dinner. (Slater's children) Tyla and Jake would chill out and we'd go play some tennis.

"He has helped me through the whole ordeal. He reached out about how important it is to have someone else (helping) while you are not playing, to keep your mind simulated. It is just special to have someone like him at the club who wants to give back so much."

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Ryan Papenhuyzen 'exploring life beyond the game'

Papenhuyzen posted a carousel of photos on Friday night as he revealed why he's stepped away from the NRL. It was no surprise that one of the photos was of him and Slater when he got his first start at the Storm.

"For now I’ve decided to take a break and explore the next chapter of my life," he wrote. "I’m well and healthy, but I’ve come to a point in my career where I’d like to explore life beyond the game I’ve dedicated myself to. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s an important one for me.

"I’m not sure what lies ahead but I know I’ll give whatever it is a good crack. Your support and love will always be appreciated. Here’s to the next chapter."

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