Cameron Munster is set to hit the NRL open market on November 1 after turning down a new two-year extension to remain at the Melbourne Storm. And his manager Justin Caines says Munster’s wife and three kids will be a major factor in his impending contract call, despite the 31-year-old previously indicating a preference to stay in Melbourne.
News Corp is reporting that the Storm have offered the Maroons skipper a new two-deal worth around $750,000 per season. It represents a significant pay cut on the $1.1 million per year contract the five-eighth is currently on, which runs until the end of the 2027 season.
Cameron Munster is set to hit the open market on November 1 after turning down a new two-year deal to remain at the Melbourne Storm. Pic: Getty
Munster is acutely aware that he’d be able to attract a bigger deal on the open market, with the cashed-up PNG Chiefs and Perth Bears among potential suitors. And unless Melbourne can come up with an improved offer for the representative star, that’s exactly what he’s set to do in a situation that will leave rival clubs on high alert.
“I have informed Melbourne of Cameron’s desire to test the open market in November,” Munster’s manager told News Corp. “I have a great relationship with the Melbourne hierarchy. (Chairman) Matt Tripp and I are in healthy discussions regarding Cameron’s future.
“Those talks will continue, but no deal has been reached yet. In years gone by, Cameron has remained loyal and taken less to remain at Melbourne. But with the trajectory of the salary cap, it would be remiss of us to not see what is out there for Cameron.”
The Storm granted Munster permission to speak with PNG before November 1 in lieu of his long and decorated service to the club. The playmaker ultimately backed out of touring Port Moresby because he didn’t think it was a good look, but suggested he would stay at Melbourne if Craig Bellamy remained coach.
Family a major factor in Cameron Munster’s contract call
But after accepting less money to stay at the Storm previously, Munster could be lured by the big bucks on offer elsewhere, in order to set up his young family’s future. “This free agency is a different scenario for Cameron,” his agent added. “He now has a wife and three lovely children whose futures he needs to secure, so he has a lot to consider.”
Cameron Munster has informed the Melbourne Storm that he will test the NRL open market on November 1. Pic: Getty
Bellamy is not contracted beyond 2027 and has already indicated that next year could be his last, meaning the Storm could face an uphill battle to keep hold of Munster. The Broncos have been touted as another potential suitor and a move back to Queensland would hold obvious appeal for the Maroons star.
With Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds now retired and Ben Hunt expected to follow suit next year, coach Michael Maguire could be looking for an elite playmaker from 2028. The Broncos have locked down five-eighth Ezra Mam until the end of 2029 and Jonah Pezet will join next season to compete with Tom Duffy for a starting halves spot, but the addition of Munster would provide a huge injection of class and experience.