Cameron Munster has rejected multi-million-dollar overtures from Wayne Bennett and the Dolphins to re-sign with the Storm until the end of 2027.
Munster has ended the longest-running signing saga of the season by inking a new four-year extension with Melbourne.
Munster’s new Storm deal – which begins in 2024 – is worth more than $4 million across the four years after protracted negotiations and a persistent pursuit by the Dolphins before their inaugural season.
The NRL’s newest franchise had been prepared to make Munster the highest-paid figure in the game in the Dolphins’ bid to land a marquee player.
NRL rivals led by Wests Tigers had also been prepared to stump up seven figures a year for the Queensland and Australian five-eighth if he had gone to market on November 1.
But hours before flying out for the Kangaroos’ World Cup tour, Munster pledged his future to the Storm via a phone call to chairman Matt Tripp.
“I think he’s made the right decision for his career,” Tripp said.
Cameron Munster is now set to finish his career as a one-club player.Credit:Getty Images
“I really did think there were points throughout the year where he could be going. There were no signs or anything but that’s just a feeling I had.
“But when you think about the way he’s played, he’s probably had his best season and all throughout the year we said to him, ‘Whether you’re staying or going, you’ve got my support’.
“It’s a great result for the club and he’s great guy to have around the Storm.”
Munster’s retention sees him join a stable of stars tied down long-term that includes Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and Christian Welch as the core of Melbourne’s roster.
Munster paid tribute to coach Craig Bellamy and the club for standing by him during off-field scandals that had him fearing his contract would be ripped up this time last year.
“I’ve always wanted to be a one-club player,” Munster said.
“Storm gave me the chance to play NRL and the club has become a second home for me since making my debut.
“The club has always been supportive of me, even through some of the more difficult times, and I appreciate [the Storm] giving me the time I needed to think through the decision with [Munster’s partner] Bianca and my family.”
