‘Silly not to’: Munster’s admission on contract, World Cup form
Cameron Munster says it would be “silly not to” test his value on the NRL open market, with the Storm superstar linked with a potential move.
The five-eighth has played his entire first grade career in Melbourne, but will head to free agency from November 1 – the day after the Kangaroos play their final Rugby League World Cup group stage game against Cook Islands.
Cameron Munster. Getty Images
Munster is one of his generation’s elite playmakers, winning two premierships with the Storm and dominating at State of Origin level for Queensland.
But with money set to fly around like never before, especially with the impending arrival of the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs, the 32-year-old wants to see how much he is worth – even if it means some fans may become disgruntled.
“I’ve obviously spoken to the club, spoken to my manager, and it’d be silly not to go to November 1,” Munster told media from Kangaroos camp on Thursday.
“It’s exciting for the game. There’s probably been a lot of fans kicking cans and saying they need to stay and be loyal ... but at the end of the day, it’s a business. We need to worry about our own backyards as players and so do the clubs.
“Times have changed when it comes to blokes being one-club players or staying at a club for a long time. They wanna go out there and see what they’re worth.”
Munster denied suggestions the looming open market frenzy will be a distraction for Kangaroos players including himself, Sam Walker and Bradman Best.
While the talk surrounding Munster is about whether his future lies at the Storm or a rival club, his form in the World Cup has also come under the microscope.
The veteran No.6 gave an honest assessment of his performances across the side’s opening two matches, but reiterated the most important thing remained Australia staying alive and going deep into the tournament.
“I know I haven’t been up to my best,” he said.
“I’ve been a little bit scratchy. Sometimes you’re not gonna play your best, but the team’s played well and that’s the more important thing for me.
“If the team wins and the coaches and players still think I’ve got it in me, and they trust to play alongside me, at the end of the day you guys [the media] have got to sell papers and sometimes my name’s in the paper.
“I’ve just got to make sure I play well, whether that’s a seven out of 10 or eight out of 10, and it gets the boys over the line, then I’m happy with that.”
Australia will face Cook Islands on Saturday night at Townsville’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium, with a win securing top spot in Pool A.
