Calm before the storm? Melbourne footy star Ryan Papenhuyzen shows no signs of nerves as he steps out with his glamorous influencer girlfriend Emma Mac ahead of the NRL Grand Final
NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen cut a nonchalant figure on Saturday as he stepped out with new girlfriend Emma Mac.
The 26-year-old Melbourne Storm star has been confirmed as a starter for the team’s grand final against the Penrith Panthers at ACCOR Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.
And while he may have been nervous leading up to the big game, Ryan showed no signs of butterflies as he took a stroll with his influencer girlfriend.
Ryan took advantage of the sunny October morning in Sydney, wearing a white T-shirt and plain black sports shorts.
He also wore a black baseball cap backwards, which kept his flowing blonde mullet mane at bay.
He completed his walking ensemble with a pair of white sneakers and black and white striped socks.
Meanwhile, Emma delivered an equally sporty take in a pair of figure-hugging black tights that showed off her perfectly toned pins.
Emma wanted to add some extra wind protection to her outfit and also wore a khaki bomber jacket.
NRL star Ryan Papenhuyzen cut a nonchalant figure on Saturday as he stepped out with new girlfriend Emma Mac
Her outfit was completed with a pair of white sneakers and dark, almond-shaped sunglasses.
Emma’s straight long locks were allowed to fall freely over her shoulders.
The lovebirds seemed delighted to be in each other’s company, smiling as they walked down the leafy Sydney street.
Ryan debuted his new romance on social media after confirming he was ‘off the market’ earlier this year.
The Melbourne Storm star showed no signs of nerves ahead of the NRL Grand Final as he took a walk with his influencer girlfriend
The Melbourne Storm star has been confirmed as starter for the team’s grand final against the Penrith Panthers at Sydney’s ACCOR Stadium on Sunday
The pair seemed delighted to be in each other’s company and smiled as they walked down the leafy street in Sydney
The Melbourne Storm ace – originally from Sydney – first teased he was in ‘lockdown’ two months ago, bBut now it looks like he’s ready to share his love with the world.
On Monday, Ryan posted a photo of himself next to Sydney influencer Emma Mac with the caption “pookie era.”
The fashion TikToker, 21, also shared a photo of the pair at Ryan’s game on Saturday evening, sending followers into a frenzy.
“You and Dad. OMG,” one user wrote under the post.
In June, Ryan released his relationship status when he appeared on the Ausmerican Aces podcast with teammates Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
“Yes guys, I don’t live as a single anymore,” the 26-year-old fullback announced.
“Is that exclusive?” Cameron and Jarome insisted, to which Ryan reluctantly replied, “We could.”
Ryan took advantage of the sunny October morning in Sydney, wearing a plain white T-shirt and plain black shorts
After Cameron and Jahrome encouraged him to rephrase it so his unknown partner wouldn’t be “nasty,” Ryan reiterated, “Yes guys, I’m not living as a single anymore.”
“There are no launches yet, it’s very early stages,” he added.
When questioned by Munster and Hughes about the mystery woman, Papenhuyzen remained tight-lipped.
“So you’re seeing someone?” Cameron said, to which Ryan replied, “Yes.”
‘Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane?’ Jahrome asked.
Emma, meanwhile, delivered an equally sporty take in a pair of figure-hugging black tights that showed off her perfectly toned pins
“It doesn’t matter,” Ryan replied.
Meanwhile, some fans admitted they were confused as they had been under the impression Ryan was still in a relationship with Australian Diamonds and West Coast Fever netball star Kelsey Browne.
The sporty couple split in 2022 after three years together.
He was later paired with two-time Olympic swimming champion and world record holder Ariarne Titmus.
“I live under a rock, I thought brother was still with Kelsey,” one user wrote.
“No, because I thought he was still with Kelsey,” another added with a shocked emoji.
“Aww…I loved Kelsey,” a third added.
Emma wanted to add some extra wind protection to her outfit and also wore a khaki bomber jacket.
The pair seemed delighted to be in each other’s company and smiled as they walked down the leafy street in Sydney
That’s perhaps a testament to how quiet the NRL player usually is about his love life.
It comes after Ryan’s new girlfriend Emma took to the social media platform last week to reveal she is moving to Melbourne for the new relationship.
The glamorous TikTok creator said she is “so excited” but also “absolutely s***ting it” because she has never lived away from home before.
‘I’m also leaving home for the first time. I’m going to buy a small apartment in Melbourne,” Emma said.
The social media star, who has amassed an engaged audience of more than 850,000 people with “Get Ready With Me” and “Fit Check” videos since March 2023, was more direct in slapping a label.
‘My most frequently asked question is, “Do I have a boyfriend?” I do too, and I’m so very happy,” Emma continued.
“I can’t even explain it to you and he’s the reason I’m moving to Melbourne. I’m going to live alone, but I’m going to be closer to him. ‘
Ryan debuted his new romance on social media, posting a photo with Sydney influencer Emma Mac
