Matty Johns puts forward theory on Cameron Munster contract question

Everyone in footy is talking about Cameron Munster’s future and Matty Johns thinks there’s an important factor to consider in his next move.

Everyone’s talking about Cameron Munster’s future.

Matty Johns has weighed in the Cameron Munster contract saga, suggesting the star five-eighth will wait to see what Craig Bellamy does before making a move on his future.

Despite still being under contract with Melbourne next year, Munster is a hot topic as footy commentators question whether he will stay at the Storm beyond that or sign with a rival, like the competition’s newest team the Dolphins.

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According to reports, Munster is set to earn over $1 million in 2023 but because of a salary cap squeeze at the Storm, he will likely need to take a haircut if he signs a new deal to stay in Victoria.

The Queensland and Kangaroos pivot has repaid Melbourne’s faith in him after he was embroiled in a white powder scandal at the end of last season, reminding everyone of his class with an incredible performance in last round’s win over the Sharks.

Chat about Munster’s future coincides with uncertainty about how much longer Bellamy will want to remain in charge as head coach. Initially the veteran mentor had until March 31 to make a call on whether he’d continue next year, but that deadline has since been extended.

Johns believes Munster’s call may depend on if Bellamy stays in Melbourne, or who replaces him as coach should he decide to pull the pin.

Cameron Munster was on fire against Cronulla. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“From Munster’s end, he’d like to secure three or four years ahead, most players do, but I don’t think there’s any rush,” Fox League host Johns told SEN Breakfast.

“What you’re seeing with Cameron is he’s just getting better and better. If he’d have signed a contract last week before his performance the other night against Cronulla, then he would have cost himself 200 (thousand dollars) a year.

“This is my opinion — I think in some ways, he’s sitting and waiting to see what Craig Bellamy will do. Because I always expected that Craig would coach on for another couple of years but there’s some people that know Craig pretty well that are starting so suspect he won’t coach next year.

“He’ll move into a more senior role, and oversee the club a bit like Alex Ferguson at Manchester United there for a while.

“The question will be, who will be the next coach?”

There have been suggestions Munster may have to sacrifice as much as $400,000 a year to stay at the Storm beyond 2023, after the club this month announced several key re-signings.

Halfback Jahrome Hughes, hooker Harry Grant and winger Xavier Coates all recommitted to Melbourne, taking up a decent chunk of the salary cap.