An NRL legend believes the longer Cameron Munster’s contract saga draws on, the less likely he will be a Storm player beyond 2023.
Meanwhile, the Knights have reportedly shopped two halfbacks to Super League clubs, while the Eels and Bulldogs have signed young guns.
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SMITH’S OMINOUS MUNSTER WARNING
NRL legend Cameron Smith has doubled down on his belief Cameron Munster will not be a Storm player beyond 2023.
On Monday Smith explained if the Storm superstar was going to stay in Melbourne he would have already inked an extension.
Now, Smith has said the longer the saga draws on, the less likely it is that Munster will remain at the Storm.
“The longer this goes on, you get the feeling that he won’t be at the Melbourne Storm beyond 2023, that’s my gut feeling,” Smith told SEN.
“He’s a premiership player at that footy club, he’s been there for quite some time, and he’s done some wonderful things for the organisation. If he wanted to be there, and there was no question about leaving … then why hasn’t Cameron Munster signed? That’s my take on it.
“The longer it goes on and the longer you don’t see a signature from Cameron Munster for the Melbourne Storm, I start to think, ‘well I don’t think he’ll be there’.”
Smith also explained that it looks unlikely the Maroons playmaker will be granted an early release, which would see him land at his potential new club in 2024.
“Unless the Melbourne Storm are willing to give him up, that’s the only thing,” Smith said.
“But then whatever club he goes to, and it looks as though if he is to leave the Melbourne Storm it will be with the Dolphins, then the Dolphins have got to come up with a package for the Melbourne Storm for them to release Cameron Munster for next season as well.
“There’s a lot of different things that need to happen for Munster not to be at the Melbourne Storm next year. He’s come out and said that he’s committed to the Storm and (that) he’ll be playing in Melbourne Storm colours in 2023, I just don’t know whether he’ll be there beyond that.”
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KNIGHTS’ SHOCK HALVES MOVE
The Knights have reportedly offered both Adam Clune and Jake Clifford to Super League clubs in a shock move.
According to WWOS, Newcastle is looking to clear roster spots in the halves following the arrival of Broncos playmaker Tyson Gamble.
Following the departure of Mitchell Pearce ahead of the 2022 season, the Knights have been looking for a replacement to fill their spine.
Kalyn Ponga will reportedly make the long-awaited switch to the halves, meaning Adam O’Brien is searching for his partner for the 2023 season.
With an impending clear-out, the Knights will have cap space that could pave the way for a move for Tigers half Luke Brooks.
Brooks was heavily linked with a move to the Hunter earlier this year and O’Brien said if they had secured his signature “maybe we would have had a different season”.
Newcastle finished their 2022 campaign in 14th and will likely be making some big changes to see improvements in 2023.
“Look there was certainly some noise around Luke wanting to join the club,” O’Brien said.
“The Tigers took a different road and wanted to keep Luke there which is totally their prerogative, he had a contract there.
“Had we landed him then maybe we would’ve had a different season, it’s hard to lump it on one young guy.”
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YOUNG GUN’S RECRUITED
Both the Eels and Bulldogs have reportedly poached young guns from rival junior systems.
Parramatta have reportedly signed Broncos young gun Lebron Tuala after delivering for Norths Devils in the Mal Meninga Cup.
According to WWOS, the 18-year-old prop will make the move to Sydney.
Standing at 2.06 metres and with a 118 kilogram frame, Eels faithful will be hoping to see the youngster in the NRL in years to come.
Meanwhile, Phil Gould has reportedly signed two Roosters juniors, Jake Preston and Zac Montgomery.
Preston, who captained the Tricolours’ Jersey Flegg team and Montgomery will make the move to Canterbury next season.
