Ryan Papenhuyzen joins Channel Seven broadcast team for Rugby League World Cup

Retired Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen will return to the rugby league scene in October as a broadcast analyst for the upcoming Rugby League World Cup. The 2020 Clive Churchill Medallist retired from professional play following the 2025 NRL season and has since spent time caddying in professional golf. Papenhuyzen joins a list of experts on the Channel Seven coverage team, which also features Trent Robinson, Luke Keary, Aaron Woods, Brett Kimmorley, Brent Tate, and Emma Verran. The tournament broadcasts, led by commentator Andrew Voss, will cover 53 matches across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. The competition begins on October 15 with a match between Australia and New Zealand at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. Other analysts joining the broadcast include James Graham, Shane Flanagan, Corey Parker, and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

• 11:34 PMZero Tackle NRL — Ryan Papenhuyzen to make surprise rugby league return