Prince to king of cash
Melbourne fend off poaching raids on heir apparent as Munster on verge of signing long-term commitment
MELBOURNE have 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.
Cairns Post can reveal Munster will begin talks with the Storm after tomorrow night’s grand final on a multi-year extension that will see him stay in Melbourne until 2021.
Seven NRL clubs are eyeing Munster, including the Cowboys and grand final rivals the Roosters, who last month contacted his manager to express interest in the 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 make Munster an NRL millionaire.
Retiring Melbourne fullback Billy Slater is confident the club will retain him.
“It will be challenging times when Cam Smith moves on and Munster is the key to the club moving forward,” Slater said. “Without Cooper Cronk this year, Cameron has really taken on a leadership role.”
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 he has verbally outlined his desire to stay and will ink a new deal as early as next month if Melbourne meet his $1 million price.
With Innisfail product Slat- er 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.
“Once we get past the grand final on Sunday it’s full-steam ahead in locking up Munster,” Ponissi said. “I have 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.
“He is our No.1 priority for a number of reasons. Firstly, because he is a genuine highquality playmaker.
“Off the field he’s just as important. Cameron is becoming well known in Melbourne and he is important for our marketing and sponsorship reasons.
“From a footy perspective he is so important in our team environment.
The Cowboys are keen to sign Rockhampton product Munster but they will struggle to outbid the Storm.
It is understood Melbourne are prepared to offer a fouryear package, including an upgrade of Munster’s existing 2019 deal, plus a three-year extension. The Kangaroos pivot would be satisfied with a threeyear arrangement in a deal that would make Munster the Storm’s highest-paid player in the post-Smith era.