NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen appears to have debuted his new romance on social media, after confirming he was “off the market” earlier this year.
The Melbourne Storm ace, originally from Sydney, first joked about being “locked down” two months ago.But now it looks like he’s ready to share his love with the world.
On Monday, Ryan posted a picture of himself alongside Sydney influencer Emma Mac with the caption “was pookie.”
The 21-year-old fashion TikToker also shared a photo of the pair at Ryan’s game on Saturday night, sending her followers into a frenzy.
“You and Pap. Oh my god,” one user wrote beneath the post.
In June, Ryan let slip his relationship status while appearing on the Australian Aces podcast with teammates Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
“Yes, guys, I’m not living the bachelor life anymore,” the 26-year-old defender announced.
“Is that exclusive?” Cameron and Jarome persisted, to which Ryan reluctantly replied, “It could be.”
NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen appears to have debuted his new romance on social media, posting a photo with Sydney influencer Emma Mac (both pictured)
After Cameron and Jahrome encouraged him to rephrase his words so that his unnamed partner wasn’t “dirty,” Ryan repeated, “Yeah, guys, I’m not living the single life anymore.”
“There are no launches yet, we are in the very early stages,” he added.
When Munster and Hughes questioned him about the mysterious woman, Papenhuyzen remained silent.
“So, are you dating anyone?” Cameron asked, to which Ryan replied, “Yeah.”
Emma is a 21-year-old TikTok fashion star who posts ‘Get Ready With Me’ and ‘Fit Check’ videos.
In June, Ryan let slip his relationship status while appearing on the Australian Aces podcast, admitting he’s no longer living “the single life.”
“Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane?” Jahrome asked.
“It doesn’t matter,” Ryan replied.
Meanwhile, some fans admitted they were confused because they were under the impression Ryan was still dating Australian Diamonds and West Coast Fever netball star Kelsey Browne.
The sporty couple split in 2022 after three years together.
He was later linked to two-time Olympic swimming champion and world record holder Ariarne Titmus.
Some fans admitted they were confused because they were under the impression Ryan was still dating Australian Diamonds and West Coast Fever netball star Kelsey Browne. Pictured together at the 2019 Dally M Awards
“I’m living under a rock, I thought my brother was still with Kelsey,” one user wrote.
“No because I thought he was still with Kelsey,” another added with a surprised emoji.
“Aww… I loved Kelsey,” added a third.
That’s perhaps a testament to how secretive the NRL player tends to be about his love life.
This comes after Ryan’s new girlfriend Emma took to the social media platform last week to reveal that she is moving to Melbourne for her new relationship.
The glamorous TikTok creator said she is “so excited” but also “absolutely crazy” because she has never lived away from home before.
Ryan’s new girlfriend Emma (left) took to social media last week to reveal that she is moving to Melbourne for her new relationship. Right: Ryan’s ex Kelsey Browne
Several fans reacted to comments about Ryan’s past relationship with Kelsey.
“I’m also leaving home for the first time. I’m going to live in a small apartment in Melbourne,” Emma said.
The social media star, who has amassed an engaged audience of more than 850,000 people with the ‘Get Ready With Me’ and ‘Fit Check’ videos since March 2023, was more direct in putting a label on it.
“The question I get asked the most is, ‘Do I have a boyfriend? ‘ And sure enough, I do, and I’m very happy,” Emma continued.
“I can’t even explain it to you, but he’s the reason I’m moving to Melbourne. I’m moving alone, but I’m doing it to be closer to him.”
The social media star, who has amassed an engaged audience of more than 850,000 people since March 2023, was more direct in putting a label on her relationship with the footballer.
