Melbourne Storm on verge of finalising contract extension for Jahrome Hughes, Cameron Munster linked to Perth move

With expansion teams sniffing around, Melbourne are closing in on finalising a long-term extension to keep Jahrome Hughes at the club, a move which could have an impact on the future of Cameron Munster.

Melbourne are on the verge of finalising a long-term contract extension for Jahrome Hughes – a multimillion-dollar move that could have ramifications for the futures of Jonah Pezet and Cameron Munster.

The Storm have been locked in talks with Hughes for some time and it is understood they are close to signing off on a deal that will keep the Dally M Medal winner in Melbourne for at least three more seasons.

Hughes was already under contract for next season but the new deal will ensure he doesn’t go to market on November 1 and keeps him out of the clutches of the expansion teams – Perth and PNG.

Hughes is the first piece of the Storm puzzle to fall into place. The club has also prioritised the futures of Harry Grant, Xavier Coates and Ryan Papenhuyzen as they look to keep the Perth Bears at bay when the expansion team is free to hit the player market on November 1.

Grant is believed to be the most advanced and the expectation is that he will follow Hughes’ lead and commit his future to the club in coming weeks.

Hughes’ decision to stay in Melbourne, however, could have repercussions for Pezet and Munster.

Melbourne are on the verge of locking down Jahrome Hughes. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Pezet, who has patiently honed his craft and waited for his chance in Melbourne, has an agreement in place that effectively makes him a free agent once Hughes agrees to a contract extension.

The young half, who is set to get an opportunity in coming weeks as Hughes rehabilitates from a shoulder problem, would be in high demand on the open market but it is understood his preference is to remain in Melbourne.

The wildcard is Munster, who is under contract for a further two seasons but is believed to be at the top of the wishlist of Perth coach Mal Meninga. As it stands, Meninga and the Bears are unable to speak to Munster because he is under contract for a further two seasons.

Jonah Pezet has an agreement in place that effectively makes him a free agent once Hughes agrees to a contract extension. NRL Photos

Cameron Munster will naturally be a target for expansion sides. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

However, there has been speculation that the Bears could approach the Storm to ask for permission to negotiate with Munster as they eye off a big scalp for their inaugural season.

The Bears have the advantage of having a blank canvas when it comes to their playing squad and salary cap. They would be expected to throw at least $1.5 million – and potentially more – at Munster in a bid to convince him to pack up his family and move to Perth.

The Storm couldn’t compete with that sort of money even with the salary cap expected to increase significantly when the new broadcast deal comes into effect in 2028.

Munster is on a deal worth more than $1 million in Melbourne but Perth would likely make him the highest paid player in the game.

The Storm would no doubt one reluctant to let Munster leave but they may be forced to make a choice between the Queensland No.6 and Pezet as the long-term halves partner for Hughes.

Pezet is vying with Tyran Wishart to wear the No.7 jersey while Hughes overcomes a dislocated shoulder that has sidelined him in the lead-up to the finals.