Cameron Munster targeted by R360 chiefs in secret poaching attempt

In the most high-profile recruitment attempt so far, R360 chiefs have formally expressed interest in securing Maroons captain Cameron Munster so that he can finish his glittering career in rugby union.

R360 has stepped-up its attack on the NRL by making a secret approach to Queensland Origin superstar Cameron Munster.

In a bombshell development, Code Sports can reveal R360 bosses have launched a poaching raid on Munster in a bid to deliver one final mega payday for the Storm champion.

Despite increasing doubts over whether the controversial rebel competition will get off the ground, R360 recruitment chiefs have formally expressed interest in Munster to finish his glittering career in rugby union.

As captain of the Queensland Origin team, Munster is the highest-profile NRL player to be targeted thus far by R360.

As first revealed by Code Sports last month, Munster’s manager Braith Anasta received informal interest from Australian rugby via a third-party associate making inquiries about the Maroons maestro on the eve of the NRL grand final.

Now rugby union’s interest has expanded to the R360 revolution, with the unsanctioned league targeting Munster after targeting NRL cohorts Payne Haas, Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen.

R360 has set its sights on Queensland captain Cameron Munster. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Speculation sweeping league circles suggested Munster met with R360 representatives three weeks ago for talks in the UK in the lead-up to Australia’s second Test against England in Liverpool.

Munster’s camp insist no such meeting took place, but R360’s interest in the Storm five-eighth is real, with rebel rugby negotiators making formal contact to gauge his desire to embark on a new challenge.

The two-time premiership winner is contracted to Melbourne until the end of 2027, by which time he will be 33, an age at which Munster could be young enough to play for a further one or two years.

The inaugural R360 competition is slated to begin next year on October 2, 2026, two days before the NRL grand final.

Given his contractual ties to Melbourne, Munster must clear a major hurdle to play R360 – the Storm would have to agree to an early release for the 31-year-old to test himself in the 15-a-side code.

Melbourne would have to agree to Munster’s early release to play in R360. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

That would appear to be an unlikely scenario after Melbourne recently parted ways with fullback Papenhuyzen, while boom halfback Jonah Pezet has quit the club to link with the Eels next season before moving to the Broncos in 2027.

Munster, a 236-game NRL veteran, could earn north of $1.5 million playing R360. The NRL’s threats of a 10-year ban for R360 defectors would matter little for Munster, who turns 32 next September and is entering the twilight years of his career.

The Storm are determined for Munster to be a one-club legend and are open to another deal for the Kangaroos pivot, who was named player of the series in Australia’s recent 3-0 sweep of the Poms.

In the wake of Australia’s third Test win a fortnight ago, Munster confirmed he wouldn’t rule out finishing his career overseas.

Munster hasn’t ruled out finishing his career overseas. Picture: NRL Photos

That opens the door for the British Super League and R360.

“I’d love to come over here (England),” Munster told AAP. “If I get the opportunity, I’d love to come over to England.

“I’ve been very selfish in a way, staying in the same spot (in Melbourne) all the time, and so whatever’s best for my family, if they want to come over and explore England and the world, I’m more than happy to come over.

“I think this may have been my best Australian series. It’s crazy, the older you get, the smarter you get. You understand the game a little bit more.”

Munster has also been linked with new NRL expansion side the Bears, but his manager Anasta last week ruled out a move to Perth.

“With Jonah’s decision to leave, the option of Cameron possibly going to Perth for their inaugural season is off the table,” said Anasta, who also manages 22-year-old young gun Pezet.

“A lot of that situation (whether Pezet would stay at Melbourne) was based upon that decision (whether Munster joined Perth).

“Cameron loves Melbourne and never wanted to leave.

“He is fully committed to the club and always has been, which we could all see by the way he played this year.”

Originally published as Cameron Munster targeted by R360 chiefs in secret poaching attempt