After graduating high school, he attended Australian Catholic University studying degree in Physical Activity, Health and Exercise Science.

He then signed with Melbourne after he was released by the Wests Tigers due to the club wishing to re-sign James Tedesco.

[8] On 8 October, Papenhuyzen earned his first representative jersey as he was named in the Australian side for the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s.

Papenhuyzen returned to Melbourne's starting side in Round 19 against North Queensland, playing only 33 minutes from the interchange bench.

Papenhuyzen played a total of 15 games for Melbourne in the 2021 NRL season and scored 14 tries as the club won 19 matches in a row and claimed the Minor Premiership.

[17][18] Papenhuyzen missed the first twenty two rounds of the 2023 NRL season due to a shattered kneecap, returning on August 5 to play for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in Queensland cup.

[20] Due to it being his second severe leg injury, many fans believed his career was over, however in the aftermath it was revealed that Papenhuyzen was expected to be cleared to play by the commencement of the following season.

In their round 9 22-20 victory against the Gold Coast Titans, Papenhuyzen began limping after a routine tackle, which resulted in him leaving the field.

It was revealed the following day that Papenhuyzen had suffered a small fracture in his surgically repaired leg, which would leave him sidelined for four to six weeks.

[22] Papenhuyzen played a total of 20 matches for Melbourne in the 2024 NRL season including their grand final loss to Penrith.