Bennett targets Munster

DOLPHINS coach-in-waiting Wayne Bennett has put out the welcome mat to Cameron Munster, declaring their Queensland Origin bond can be a winning formula for Brisbane’s new NRL franchise.

Bennett will kick-off contract negotiations with the Dolphins on Friday and the NRL super coach will tell Redcliffe consortium bosses that Munster (pictured) is the No.1 target on his recruitment list.

A poaching tug-of-war is brewing over Munster, with Storm chairman Matt Tripp insisting he will fight to retain the Maroons ace, who is contracted until the end of 2023 and would require an early release to be the Dolphins’ marquee signing.

Speculation over Munster’s future at the Storm has intensified following the white- powder scandal that saw the star half check into rehab last week to address issues with alcohol.

Now Bennett is ready to strike. The pair clicked immediately during Queensland’s epic Origin series win last November and Bennett says the Rockhampton product would be the right fit as the Dolphins’ marquee recruit.

“If Cameron is available or keen to come home, I will certainly look at him,” Bennett said. “Everyone will be hard to get out of the 16 clubs ... but Cameron is someone I have great admiration for.

“Predominantly, the Dolphins will want a Queensland look, but you always have to sign the best players and Cameron ticks both those boxes.

“We have a 12-month runway (to build a roster), but I need to get myself sorted with Redcliffe first before I get too far in front of myself and worry about what players we have or won’t have for 2023.”

While Tripp is keen to retain Munster, NRL clubs rarely stand in the way of a player seeking a release on compassionate grounds.

Munster’s partner Bianca is due to give birth in December and the couple were rocked by the passing of her mother from cancer this year, prompting the Storm playmaker to discuss a possible return to Queensland.