Melbourne and Munster no more? Star weighs his options
Annabelle Banfield |
Cameron Munster has done just about everything in his decade-plus NRL career, but the frenzy of free agency on November 1 has always alluded the Melbourne playmaker.
The 32-year-old has won two premierships, a World Cup and many a State of Origin series, but after a disappointing campaign with the Storm he could be preparing for a change of scenery for the first time in his career.
He has negotiated with rival clubs before, including rejecting a monster bid from The Dolphins as they were preparing to enter the competition, but has always ended up signing on to stay in Melbourne.
However, the tax-free pull of the new expansion team PNG Chiefs is incredibly strong.
Munster’s current contract with the Storm runs until the end of 2027 and an extension offer reportedly worth $750,000 per season has been tabled, but knocked back by the star who currently earns $1.1 million per year.
While free agency was a first, 2026 had another first for the Storm five-eighth as he missed the finals for the only time in his career, ending Melbourne’s 15-year post-season streak.
The 256-game veteran hopes he can continue his career in purple.
“I love the Storm. I love everything about Melbourne,” Munster said.
“The club’s done so much for me. I’m very grateful for the career I’ve had there.
“I’m not saying I’m leaving, I love the club and hopefully we can come to an agreement.”
“I’ve never been to November 1 so I wouldn’t know what to do. It’s exciting but I’ve got four weeks to play some good footy for Australia and hopefully cement a spot in the (Storm) squad.”
A return home to Queensland is also an attractive proposition for the Rockhampton junior.
“It’s nice weather up there (Queensland), I do enjoy it up there,” Munster said.
The Queenslander has revealed one thing, his future home ground won’t be in Sydney.
“If I lived in Sydney, mate, you’d on my doorstep every week,” the two-time premiership winner told members of the media.
“I don’t know if I’m too keen on having you at my doorstep every week.”
Declaring that this World Cup will be his last, the 32-year-old is ready to repay the Kangaroos selectors for their faith, despite a disappointing NRL campaign.
“I didn’t have a great 2026 but the selectors thought I could do a good job, so (I’m) looking forward to making sure their decision was the right one,” Munster said.
“This is back against the wall, you either want to fight or lay down.
“I’m going to wear the green and gold one more time. It might be my last against the Kiwis, who knows?”
AAP