Monster deal for Munster

Storm star’s $3 million extension on final eve

MELBOURNE has staved off a poaching threat from the Roosters, with Queensland Origin sensation Cameron Munster to pledge his future to the Storm in a $3 million retention coup.

Munster will begin talks with the Storm after tomorrow night’s grand final on a multi-year extension that will see him remain in Melbourne until at least 2021.

Seven NRL clubs are eyeing off Munster, including the Cowboys and grand final rivals the Roosters, who last month contacted his manager to express interest in the Maroons pivot.

But the newly-crowned Dally M five-eighth of the year will remain in Melbourne as Storm officials put together a package that will catapult Munster into the stratosphere of NRL millionaires.

Munster is off-contract next season, meaning he can source rival offers from November 1. The 24-year-old had intended to test his value on the open market, but has verbally outlined his desire to stay at the Storm and will ink a new deal as early as next month if Melbourne meets his $1 million asking price.

With champion duo Billy Slater and Cameron Smith both expected to be off Melbourne’s books by 2020, Storm football operations chief Frank Ponissi said the club had the funds to reward Munster.

“Once we get past the grand final on Sunday it’s full steam ahead in locking up Munster,” Ponissi said. “I’ve seen nothing in Cam’s demeanour over the last month or so whatsoever to suggest that he won’t be here long-term past 2019. You never want to single players out but in terms of retention we have no hesitation in saying he is our No.1 priority for a number of reasons. He is a genuine high-quality playmaker with all the skills — and he is an X-factor.”