Influencer Emma MacDonald says her “unexpected” break-up with Melbourne Storm superstar Ryan Papenhuyzen has come as a “big shock”.

MacDonald confirmed the sad news on TikTok and said she was now heading back to Sydney.

“Get ready with me to go apartment hunting in Sydney,” MacDonald said.

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“Yes you have that right. Basically, I am moving back to Sydney.

“Obviously it’s a big shock, it’s a big change, very unexpected, but I am so excited to be back in Sydney with my friends and my family.

“The way I look at it, it’s a good thing and a whole new chapter, where I can just focus on myself and grow by myself as a person.”

MacDonald had obviously moved to Melbourne to be closer to the NRL gun when their whirlwind relationship took off at the beginning of 2024.

During that time she told her followers it was “the first time ever” she had moved out of home.

But now she has had to pack up her life again.

“Life has really thrown a curveball and we’re finding a new place to live,’’ she said.

“I’m not gonna lie to you guys, obviously I’m really sad, but what are you gonna do.”

She also thanked her huge online following (145,000 on Instagram alone) for their support.

“If I didn’t start posting I wouldn’t have this amazing community to get me through this,” she said.

“Reading all ur comments genuinely is making me feel SO much better.

“I am forever grateful for you all, wish I could repay u all.”

It’s a sad end to what MacDonald had called “an exciting new chapter” just over 12 months ago.

“My boyfriend is actually the reason why I’m moving. I’m moving in by myself but I’m moving to be closer to him,” she said last year.

She also revealed at a Melbourne Storm event last year that she “didn’t know much about league” but was learning.