Jonah Pezet knocks back Knights to stay at Melbourne Storm

The Newcastle Knights made a monster $2.5 million bid to lure Jonah Pezet away from the Storm but the former Wyong Roo has opted to stick with Melbourne - though he has inserted a surprise clause into his new deal.

Jonah Pezet has inked a long-term deal to remain at the Storm but it comes with a strict clause which could allow him to exit the club should Jahrome Hughes extend his time at Melbourne.

Pezet was chased heavily by Newcastle who put forward a monster $2.5 million four year bid but he has opted to stay at the Storm after agreeing to a four-year contract extension. His deal will expire at the end of 2029 however Pezet may be free to leave earlier.

Hughes is contracted to Melbourne until the end of 2026. Should he agree to a deal beyond that period then Pezet is an immediate free agent. Hughes will be 32 in 2026 while Pezet will be just 23.

The contract safeguards both Pezet and the Storm. It means Pezet will not be stuck behind Hughes and Cameron Munster for an extended period while the Storm have a ready-made replacement should Hughes leave the club.

Jonah Pezet has opted to stay with the Storm - for now.

Pezet has shown his willingness to be patient to learn off one of the game’s elite halves pairing. However, there is also an understanding that Pezet could be loaned out in 2026 to either an NRL or Super League for one season should he and Melbourne believe that his development would be better suited by playing regular first grade elsewhere.

It is a similar blueprint that the Storm used with Harry Grant who was stuck behind Immortal-in-waiting Cameron Smith.

Pezet knocked back a contract extension with the Storm last month before the two parties were able to make an agreement.

The Knights took Pezet out for an intimate dinner which was also attended by Newcastle captain and superstar Kalyn Ponga. Pezet is making his comeback from a knee reconstruction having played in Melbourne’s opening three games this year.

A move to Newcastle would have represented a homecoming of sorts for Pezet.

He was a member of Newcastle’s junior representative teams from 2018 until the end of the 2020 season, playing Harold Matthews and SG Ball for the club. He then moved to the Melbourne Storm.

NRL FINALLY TICKS OFF ON BEN HUNT’S BRONCOS CONTRACT

- David Riccio

Ben Hunt’s contract has officially been registered by the NRL salary cap auditor.

A prized-signing for Brisbane, Hunt will shift from St George-Illawarra on a two-year deal from next season.

The deal was announced by the Broncos 16-days ago.

The NRL have taken their time analysing the terms of the high-profile contract, aware that rival clubs had questioned how the Test star could come back from a $950,000 salary with the Dragons to a reported $600,000 with Brisbane.

Ben Hunt is returning to the Brisbane Broncos.

The Bulldogs, Roosters and Dolphins had all shown interest in signing Hunt.

It’s understood the NRL salary cap auditor benchmarked Hunt’s contract against other offers and considered key metrics, including his age - he turns 35 in March - before registering the Broncos deal.

Hunt is due to commence training with the Broncos in January.

The next challenge for the Broncos is what impact Hunt’s arrival will have on their ability to retain several off-contract stars including Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo.