Munster’s potential Storm exit could open door for shock move

Cameron Munster might be busy preparing for a World Cup campaign with the Kangaroos, but his manager is busy working out his NRL future.

The champion five-eighth has a year to run on his contract and looks set to test the open marker from November 1, after his agent Justin Caines confirmed they had knocked back a contract extension from the Melbourne Storm.

The offer is reportedly worth $750,000 per season over two years.

“We’ll be exploring his options on the open market. We don’t see any reason for Cameron to be taking a pay cut,” Caines told News Corp.

“Melbourne have put forward their offer, and after receiving their offer, we informed them we will be exploring our options in November.”

It’s believed Munster and his management are looking at a seven-figure salary, which the Storm don’t appear to be willing to meet at this stage.

The 32-year-old will get a golden opportunity to put himself in the shop window for rival clubs while donning the green and gold of Australia.

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But which clubs would actually be willing to sign him for $1 million or more?

The most obvious landing spot for Munster would be the PNG Chiefs, given he was originally slated to visit Port Moresby on the same weekend Zac Lomax toured the region and ultimately signed with the expansion franchise.

There are some obvious links for Munster to the Chiefs – the club’s head coach is Willie Peters, who has not only been involved with the playmaker during last year’s Kangaroos tour, but is also under the Searoo Sports management stable.

Both were managed by Braith Anasta until last month, when the former Roosters captain relinquished his accreditation to focus on his media commitments.

Chiefs general manager Michael Chammas is a fan of Munster’s as well and the fact they were interested in bringing the No.6 over for a look around would indicate there’s at least some level of interest in signing him.

That being said, the Chiefs have a stacked backline already and may be better served turning their attention to some quality recruits in the forwards, rather than potentially spending a chunk of cash on an ageing playmaker.

Munster could also take less money under the NRL salary cap, given the Storm’s offer, but still manage to pocket his desired income due to the tax-free benefits that come with PNG’s inclusion in the competition from 2028 onwards.

The only thing that would block Munster potentially joining the Chiefs is that the club appear to be biding their time when it comes to another marquee half, considering Jarome Luai has already joined on a lucrative deal.

Nathan Cleary and Sam Walker are two prized targets coming into the November free agency period, but the Panthers and Roosters will be doing everything in their power to keep the State of Origin halfbacks around long-term.

Outside of the cashed-up Chiefs, the other clear candidate to put forward a big deal for Munster are the incoming Perth Bears, who are yet to land a true marquee signing ahead of their 2027 introduction to the NRL.

Munster and coach Mal Meninga have history together for both Queensland and Australia and there’s no doubting the Bears would be desperate to land a player of the Storm superstar’s quality on the field and popularity off it.

Outside of the NRL’s two newest clubs, it could be a wait-and-see situation for Munster and his management, who may need to see what dominoes fall.

For example, should Walker decide to leave the Roosters, that would open the door for Munster to potentially land at Bondi for 2028 and it’s no secret that Nick Politis and this year’s premiers love a high-profile recruit.

Queensland clubs would certainly be an option for Munster, given that’s where he is from and the pub he has just opened on Caxton Street.

Brisbane have both Jonah Pezet and Ezra Mam locked away and are unlikely to chase Munster, unless their current five-eighth departs, while the Dolphins have invested in Isaiya Katoa and George Williams moving forward.

Gold Coast are waiting to see what rookie halfback Zane Harrison does when the free agency period hits and if he was to move on, Munster would be the perfect foil for Jayden Campbell in the halves, with the second-gen star signed until 2031.

North Queensland, who are further away geographically, have Tom Dearden signed long-term but rumours haven’t gone away regarding a move to Sydney.

Looking outside the box, South Sydney could be a genuine chance of looking at a player like Munster, with uncertainty surrounding their halves situation.

Cody Walker is expected to sign a one-year extension for 2027 but would likely be gone after that, which could pave the way for Munster.

The issue, however, is the Rabbitohs have their own salary cap constraints and have yet to decide on Latrell Mitchell’s future beyond next year.

Could the star-studded Bunnies really afford to have Mitchell and Munster, as well as high-priced captain Cameron Murray and front-row recruit Payne Haas, all on contracts around or above the $1 million mark? That would be a big ask, but Wayne Bennett’s time as coach is running out and a premiership beckons.

Souths also have the likes of Campbell Graham, Jack Wighton, David Fifita and Jayden Sullivan all coming off-contract at the end of 2027 on good money.

If there’s one thing Souths desperately needed in their finals loss to Newcastle, it was a playmaker with the class and big-game experience of Munster.

It would take some juggling of the cap and some creative accounting, but the Rabbitohs, Munster and Bennett feel like a match made in heaven, especially given the legendary coach and player’s history together, where they spearheaded Queensland’s memorable 2020 Origin series victory against all odds.

Munster is one of the best playmakers of this generation and whichever club he lands at – or stays at, should his management and Melbourne come to an agreement – will be better off for having him on their playing roster.

It presents as one of the most interesting watches heading into November and if he can produce a strong World Cup campaign and lead the Kangaroos to glory, Munster’s price tag will end up wherever he wants it.

Australia kick off their tournament next Thursday night against New Zealand.