Munny isn’t in hurry
CAMERON Munster’s contract saga looks set to extend beyond November 1, with the Storm five-eighth revealing he’s still unsure where he’ll play in 2024 as he prepares to fly out for the World Cup.
The news isn’t good for Melbourne, with other clubs able to officially make the indemand rep star offers from November 1 for the 2024 season and beyond.
The 28-year-old is off contract at the end of next season and has been the hottest prospect on the player market, with the Dolphins and Tigers reportedly willing to break the bank to lure him north.
The Storm is desperate to keep the Cameron Smith medallist, but their task will become much tougher in just under four weeks, with Munster unsure about his plans.
“I was on the fence. It’s nothing towards Melbourne or anyone else, I just want to make the right decision for my family,” said Munster, who joked Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga had even asked him about his future.
“I wanted to make sure before the World Cup, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Things don’t always go to plan.
“We’re probably looking more towards November 1 now. I’ll hopefully make a decision soon. I might make a decision by then, or I might keep people waiting. Who knows?”
There are a couple of major factors that will determine what the Queensland and Australian five-eighth does in 2024, but Munster is adamant money isn’t one of them.
He’s been offered around $1m a season to stay at the Storm, while rival clubs are willing to bump that figure up considerably.
Munster has only known success since he debuted in 2014, with he and the Storm reaching seven preliminary finals in a row before that streak was snapped last month.
It’s why joining a team like the Dolphins or wooden spooners Tigers won’t come down to how many zeros are on his contract.
“It’s not money,” he replied when asked what the biggest selling point was.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be in a competitive team for eight or nine years and played plenty of prelim finals.
“To bow out like we did this year is a sour taste in the mouth, but I just want to make sure that I pick the right decision and play some competitive footy because I hate losing, as everyone does when they play professional sport.
“I want to make sure I’m still enjoying my footy and not losing every week.
“Money’s not everything, but after seeing Penrith win the grand final, it makes me really want to win it again.”