Ryan Papenhuyzen has stared down the biggest and baddest in the NRL but what scared him more was being in the Melbourne coaches’ box with Craig Bellamy.

The rising Storm star was rested for last round’s 41-10 NRL win over Canterbury and spent the game watching from the stands alongside Bellamy, who is famous for his mid-match blow-ups.

“That was my debut in the coaches’ box and there were a few blow-ups so to be there and experience that was pretty crazy,” Papenhuyzen said.

“It was quite intimidating but also quite insightful to see what they talk about.”

The 22-year-old fullback will return for Melbourne’s blockbuster match with Sydney Roosters on Thursday night at the SCG and will be a valuable addition with playmaker Cameron Munster (MCL) joining skipper Cameron Smith (shoulder) on the sidelines.

The Roosters are set to welcome back a number of stars including skipper Boyd Cordner, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Brett and Josh Morris likely to return.

Papenhuyzen said he felt fresh after the skipping a game, although had to be convinced it was a good idea.

“Bellsa (Bellamy) called me and said he was thinking about resting me and we were on the phone for about an hour about it but I spoke to a couple of the senior leaders and they said it was the best thing so I don’t end up burnt out,” Papenhuyzen said.

“I rolled into the gym this morning and I felt pretty fresh – it looked like a pretty physical game so probably best to save that for against the Roosters.”

Papenhuyzen said he wasn’t sure how the Storm halves would line up, with Ryley Jacks the most likely option to play five-eighth in place of Munster.

He said the whole team would need to lift.

“When Munster was out a few weeks ago we saw it as a bit of a challenge and everyone stepped up to that next level and that’s how we look at it.

“They’re not going to be around forever so us young players need to start putting our hands up.”