Cameron Munster could be set to trigger one of the most lucrative bidding wars in NRL history with a decision over his future expected within days.
The 27-year-old has put contract talks with the Storm on hold in order to focus on Melbourne’s finals campaign but now D-day has arrived following their shock exit.
Munster’s agent Braith Anasta revealed they would meet this week and decide once and for all whether to accept the Storm’s upgraded offer, worth around $1 million a season, or hit the open market.
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“Cameron will make a decision on whether he will stay in Melbourne or not, as discussed with (Storm chairman) Matt Tripp, I would assume over the next few weeks,” Anasta said to The Daily Telegraph.
“I am either going to fly to Melbourne or he will fly here (to Sydney) and have a game of golf and we will discuss it in detail and see where his head is at and what the final decision is.
“He is very confused, that is why I put the discussions back (until the Storm’s season was over). I haven’t spoken to him because for the first time I could tell it was really playing on his mind.
“So as exciting as the situation is to be in, it is a really tough one. I honestly have no idea right now what he is going to do. That will all come to a head pretty shortly I should imagine.”
In a significant development, Anasta confirmed Munster’s decision was not down to simply the Storm or Dolphins.
The admission opens the door for rivals to make a play for one of the game’s best players.
The Tigers have already been linked to a $7 million move for Munster while the Bulldogs, and Gold Coast are also reportedly set to enter the fray, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Former teammate and NRL legend Cameron Smith, meanwhile, said he believes Munster the writing is on the wall for the Storm.
“If I’m brutally honest, if he was to commit to the Melbourne Storm and extend his contract, he would’ve done so by now,” Smith said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“That’s my gut feeling.
“He’s been at the club since he was 16 years of age and we’ve heard (Munster’s manager) Braith Anasta come out and say the Melbourne Storm offer is in the area it should be.
“So what’s holding him back?
“As bad as this may sound for all the Storm supporters and myself, I feel like he will be going to the Dolphins.”
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