Ryan Papenhuyzen has explained the reason behind his shock exit from the Melbourne Storm , saying he is taking a break to “explore life” beyond rugby league.

One day after shocking the NRL by being granted a release from the final year of his contract , Papenhuyzen released a lengthy statement on Instagram.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Papenhuyzen walks away from Storm contract.

The 27-year-old walked away from his $950,000 salary in a move that stunned the NRL and fuels talk that he will join breakaway competition R360.

Papenhuyzen confirmed earlier this year he had been in talks with the new league, but gave nothing away about his future in his first statement.

But the NRL star did say that he will give whatever lies ahead a “good crack”.

“For now, I’ve decided to take a break and ex

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