NRL 2022: Melbourne Storm lodge complaint over Wayne Bennett’s pursuit of Cameron Munster

The battle between the Storm and Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins over the future of star five-eighth Cameron Munster has taken a dramatic new twist.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is circling Storm star Cameron Munster.

Hey Wayne, back off.

A furious Melbourne has lodged a formal complaint after Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett claimed he hoped to sign Cameron Munster for next season – even though the superstar five-eighth remains under contract next season at the Storm.

And in a further display of their anger, Melbourne will submit an additional protest to the NRL should the Dolphins continue to pursue Munster for next season.

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Bennett went public this week claiming the Dolphins were “keen to have Cameron at Redcliffe, whether it is 2023 or 2024”.

The Storm – while not commenting publicly – saw red over a comment they felt bordered on “arrogant”.

Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is circling Storm star Cameron Munster. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Melbourne management contacted the Dolphins through two different avenues with a message that was simple yet stern: “Cameron Munster is not available for release in 2023. Zero chance.”

There is a feeling at Melbourne that Bennett is attempting to “undermine” the Storm.

The Daily Telegraph has been told there was angst building between the two clubs over Munster even before Bennett’s comments.

Melbourne has acknowledged Munster can be chased for 2024 – when he is off contract – but want rival clubs to immediately stop attempting to poach the Queensland Origin champion away from Victoria while under contract for 2023.

Should the Dolphins further agitate for Munster next season, Melbourne will then take the matter directly to the NRL.

A club can be accused of breaching NRL rules by encouraging a player to break his existing contract.

Camreon Munster still has one year left on his deal at the Storm. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

The Storm has no plans to release Munster from the final year of his deal. In fact, Bennett’s comments have only fortified Melbourne’s already hard-line stance about Munster completing his current deal.

Melbourne also believes they can – in coming months – secure a new contract extension ensuring Munster remains a one-club legend at AAMI Park.

“We are keen to have Cameron at Redcliffe, whether it is 2023 or 2024. We are working with his management,” Bennett told 9 Brisbane.

“I’m not overly confident but I am not under confident either.

“There is a fair bit to be done yet, but we feel like we are headed in the right direction with our end of the bargain and hopefully Cameron will want to come.”

Melbourne felt Bennett’s comments were disrespectful.

Under NRL rules, the Dolphins can talk to Munster about 2024 but cannot negotiate for 2023 — or sign a 2024 contract — until November 1, 2022.

Munster’s manager, former NRL star Braith Anasta, could not be contacted on Wednesday.

The drama comes less than a week Warriors chief executive Cameron George hit out at speculation that Reece Walsh could break his deal to join the Dolphins next year, despite being under contract until the end 2024.

“Making comments like that (breaking contracts), whether it’s the media, the Dolphins or whoever, it’s clearly breaching the rules to state an intent to break a contract,” George said.

The Dolphins have been slowly building a roster for 2023 but have yet to nail the big-name player club officials are craving.

Missing Kalyn Ponga, who remained in Newcastle, only increased a desire for Munster.

Melbourne have lost a number of players for next season, including Jesse Bromwich, Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Brandon Smith, and laugh at suggestions the club could allow Munster to walk away a year early.

Originally published as NRL 2022: Melbourne Storm lodge complaint over Wayne Bennett’s pursuit of Cameron Munster