NRL 2023: Cameron Munster opens up on Wayne Bennett relationship, failed Dolphins move

Ahead of his first showdown with the Dolphins, the club he came perilously close to signing with, Cameron Munster reveals the status of his relationship with Wayne Bennett.

Cameron Munster’s knock back of the Dolphins didn’t go down well with Wayne Bennett. Picture: Getty

Cameron Munster is willing to smoke the peace pipe with Wayne Bennett, revealing he still respects the Dolphins super coach despite Bennett’s stinging attack on the Storm star.

Munster and Bennett will face off for the first time since their relationship crumbled last year when the Dolphins host Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.

The Dolphins-Storm showdown has developed into one of the NRL’s newest grudge matches – before they’ve even played each other.

The expansion club raided Melbourne’s roster last year, poaching Test stars Jesse and Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi for their foundation NRL season.

And things got personal when Munster rejected an NRL record $5.6 million four-year offer from the Dolphins, opting to remain in Melbourne following a fierce tug-of-war for his signature.

Bennett and the Dolphins went all-in on Munster, prompting the Storm to complain to the NRL about the new club’s recruitment tactics, in the hope they could make the Queensland and Kangaroos star the face of Redcliffe from 2024.

But when he failed to personally inform Bennett of his decision to stay with the Storm, the seven-time premiership-winning coach unloaded on Munster as he jetted to England for the World Cup.

Cameron Munster’s knock back of the Dolphins didn’t go down well with Wayne Bennett. Picture: Getty

“It’s a phone call none of us want to make but you want to be a man, you have got to behave like one,” Bennett said at the time.

“Don’t have your manager ring up and tell them you aren’t coming.

“It is tough telling someone you aren’t going to come when there is a lot of effort, but that’s the price you have got to pay so you can grow into the man that you can be proud of.”

Bennett and Munster developed a bond during Queensland’s famous 2020 State of Origin series victory.

But their relationship was ripped apart following Munster’s decision and Bennett’s comments last October.

Munster, 28, was initially hurt by Bennett’s criticism, but his feelings have since eased ahead of Saturday night’s blockbuster.

“I’ve got no animosity towards Wayne,” Munster said.

“It’s water off a duck’s back. The decision’s done and I’m happy playing footy here.

“I still respect the man and he’s done a lot for the game and is such an iconic coach of our generation.

“You’ve got to respect him. He’s done everything you want to do as a coach.

“I am happy for him.”

Wayne Bennett has done a stellar job with the Dolphins. Picture: Getty

While they are yet to play each other on the field, there is no love lost between the Dolphins and Storm.

The cashed-up Dolphins snared three of Melbourne’s most experienced players and also went after Test stars Munster and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who stayed loyal to the Storm.

Bennett and Storm coach Craig Bellamy have also developed a fierce rivalry over the past 20 years.

With the Storm fifth and Dolphins sixth on the ladder – both with a 6-4 record – there is plenty on the line in the last match before the taxing State of Origin period begins.

The Dolphins are fresh off the bye, having flogged Cronulla 36-16 at Magic Round, and Munster said emotions would be running high.

“There’s going to be a lot of feeling involved, I don’t want to sugar coat it,” he said.

“I had a good relationship with Wayne.

“They’re (Bromwich brothers and Kaufusi) three of my good mates who I’ve played most of my footy with down here and they’re now at the Dolphins.

“It’s going to be a bit of an emotional day for them as well playing against their old club. I’m sure they will be ready for the task and challenge. We’ve got to match that.

“The Dolphins are playing really good footy. They might not be closing games out at the start but they’re finishing really quick and hard. They’ve won most of their games at the back end which shows how fit they are and how willing they are to work.”

Originally published as NRL 2023: Cameron Munster opens up on Wayne Bennett relationship, failed Dolphins move