Munster signs hefty deal with Melbourne

CAMERON Munster has outlined his desire to one day captain Melbourne after the Queensland Origin sensation last night shunned interest from the Cowboys to ink a massive deal with the Storm.

Munster has signed a fouryear extension that will keep him in Melbourne until the end of 2023.

He was already contracted to Melbourne for next season but wary of interest from other clubs, the Storm upped the ante, sealing his signature with a multi- year upgrade.

While Cameron Smith could be Melbourne’s skipper for the next two years, Munster, 24, hopes his new contract can catapult him to the Storm captaincy.

“I’m really happy to secure my future with the club,” he said. “It’s the first club that gave me the chance to play football, so I knew I needed to repay them.

“I’ve had to learn the hard way at times off the field but I feel I’ve grown up a lot this season and there’s more roles ahead for me at the Storm.”

Just 12 months ago, Munster’s career was in trouble after he was in an alcohol- fuelled incident during Australia’s World Cup campaign.

He was read the riot act by Storm coach Craig Bellamy, prompting Munster to temporarily impose a booze ban.

Munster is grateful for the coach’s influence.

“To be honest, Craig Bellamy was the key for me,” he said. “If he left the Storm it would have been 50- 50 for whether I would have stayed.”