Melbourne Storm set to fend off rivals to retain star playmaker Cameron Munster
MELBOURNE have staved off a poaching threat from the Roosters, with Queensland Origin sensation Cameron Munster to pledge his future to the Storm in a $3 million retention coup.
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MELBOURNE have staved off a poaching threat from the Roosters, with Queensland Origin sensation Cameron Munster to pledge his future to the Storm in a $3 million retention coup.
The Courier-Mail can reveal Munster will begin talks with the Storm after Sunday night’s grand final on a multi-year extension that will see him remain in Melbourne until at least 2021.
Seven NRL clubs are eyeing off Munster, including the Cowboys and grand-final rivals the Roosters, who last month contacted his manager to express interest in the Maroons pivot.
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But the newly-crowned Dally M five-eighth of the year will remain in Melbourne as Storm officials put together a package that will catapult Munster into the stratosphere of NRL millionaires.
Munster is off-contract next season, meaning he can source rival offers from November 1. The 24-year-old had intended to test his value on the open market, but has verbally outlined his desire to stay at the Storm and will ink a new deal as early as next month if Melbourne meet his $1 million asking price.
With champion duo Billy Slater and Cameron Smith both expected to be off Melbourne’s books by 2020, Storm football operations chief Frank Ponissi said the club had the funds to reward Munster.
“Once we get past the grand final on Sunday it’s full-steam ahead in locking up Munster,” Ponissi said.
“I have seen nothing in Cam’s demeanour over the last month or so whatsoever to suggest that he won’t be here long-term past 2019.
“You never want to single players out but in terms of retention we have no hesitation in saying that he is our No. 1 priority for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, because he is a genuine high-quality playmaker with all the skills and he is an X-factor.
“However, off the field he is just important. Cameron is becoming well known in Melbourne and he is important for our marketing and sponsorship reasons.
“From a footy perspective he is so important in our team environment. He genuinely loves life and he lifts the mood each day ... the players love him as much as the staff.”
The Cowboys are keen to sign Rockhampton product Munster but they will struggle to win a bidding war with the Storm.
It is understood Melbourne are prepared to offer a four-year package, including an upgrade of Munster’s existing 2019 deal plus a three-year extension.
The Kangaroos pivot would be satisfied with a three-year arrangement in a deal that would make Munster the Storm’s highest-paid player in the post-Smith era.
Retiring Melbourne fullback Slater, Munster’s first mentor, is confident the club will retain him.
“It will be challenging times when Cam Smith moves on and Munster is the key to the club moving forward,” he said.
“Without Cooper Cronk this year, Cameron has really taken on a leadership role.”
Queensland icon Wally Lewis said Munster could not be overlooked as Australia’s five-eighth for upcoming Tests against the Kiwis and Tonga.
“He has certainly been a very impressive player in that position,” he said.
“He is realising his value at the moment. He is a good kid, I enjoy watching him play.”
Originally published as Melbourne Storm set to fend off rivals to retain star playmaker Cameron Munster