'We go again': Star's update amid 'awful' injury

By Damien McCartney and Lachlan Harper

UPDATED: Injury-ravaged Melbourne Storm gun Ryan Papenhuyzen has taken to Instagram to send a message to fans after suffering yet another blow on his return to the NRL.

Play was stopped late in the Storm's 26-0 qualifying final loss to the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night after Papenhuyzen was injured in a tackle on Thomas Flegler that also involved teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

Referee Grant Atkins immediately called for assistance after his shocked reaction to the injury.

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"I think this is an awful injury to his lower leg," Storm great Cameron Smith said on Nine's coverage.

While initial reports from the ground suggested Papenhuyzen had suffered a compound fracture, the club confirmed on Saturday morning that was not the case.

"Thomas Flegler, he had to look away, this is awful," Paul Vautin added.

"... No player deserves to have what's happened to him (Papenhuyzen)." 

Papenhuyzen shared a selfie from hospital to his 203,000 Instagram followers giving a thumbs up.

"We go again, love ya," the caption read.

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Papenhuyzen only recently returned to the Storm's line-up after a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a knee injury.

After the Broncos finished 26-0 winners, a frustrated Cameron Munster spoke of his sadness for his teammate.

"I feel sorry for him ... it's not good news, the poor fella got back and now he's done that," he told Nine post-game.

"Hopefully he can come back and we can see the Papi we know can play.

"It's devastating news for him and the club, we're fully behind him and I'll make sure he's alright tonight."

The win for Brisbane snapped their 14-game losing streak against the Storm in a clinical performance.

Kotoni Staggs put his side on the board first, going over in the seventh minute with an Adam Reynolds penalty goal later in the half making it 8-0 at the break. 

The Broncos went up another gear in the second half with Reece Walsh, Jordan Riki and Selwyn Cobbo all scoring.

In more bad news for the Storm, winger Xavier Coates left the field moments before Papenhuyzen's injury in what was confirmed to be a sprained ankle.

"That could be season done for Xavier Coates, salt in the wound for the Melbourne Storm club and the fans," Smith said. 

The Broncos will now have next weekend off before playing in a preliminary final. Melbourne will be in a elimination final next week.