Horrible scenes as Storm star suffers 'awful' injury

Melbourne Storm star Ryan Papenhuyzen has suffered another major injury blow after he was forced off in a medicab during his side's qualifying final.

With the Storm down 20-0 against the Broncos, the game was brought to a halt in the 72nd minute when the fullback went to ground following an awkward tackle on Thomas Flegler with teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona coming in low.

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.

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

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

Nine's sideline reporter Danika Mason confirmed Papenhuyzen it was a compound fracture to his ankle.

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 7th 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.