Cameron Munster WILL test the free market on November 1 after rejecting latest Storm offer
Alarm bells will be sounding at Melbourne after Cameron Munster’s manager confirmed the five-eighth will test the open market after rejecting the club’s latest contract offer.
The 27-year-old is preparing to put himself up for sale from November 1 in a huge boost to NRL newcomers the Dolphins, who will look to ramp-up a $5.2million approach – which would make him the competition’s best-paid star.
The package put forward by Wayne Bennett’s side is expected to be worth around $1.3m a year over four years from the 2024 season.
Cameron Munster will test the open market after rejecting Storm’s second contract offer
The Storm have already submitted two offers to Munster, with the latest worth approximately $800.000-per-season over three years, yet Braith Anasta says his client will explore his options.
‘We are going to wait until November at this stage and test the open market,’ Anasta said via Courier Mail.
‘Melbourne are definitely fighting hard to keep him — and a deal with the Storm could still be done — but we won’t be doing anything until November 1.
‘They have put an offer to us a couple of times and we’ve said no we’re not ready.
The gun five-eighth turned down a $800,000-per-year contract from the Melbourne club
‘At this stage, Melbourne’s deal is not at the point to convince Cameron to sign.
‘I feel Cameron is a $1 million player and come November, I’m sure he would get a number of offers in that vicinity.’
Anasta added that Munster is happy at Melbourne and the 27-year-old is enjoying a new lease of life after off-the-field drama last year, but the Storm’s inability to raise funds to re-sign him has caused him to look elsewhere.
Craig Bellamy’s side have splashed out to keep star trio Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant and Ryan Papenhuyzen, but it means they are running out of wiggle room in the salary cap.
The development serves as a huge boost for Wayne Bennett (L) and blow for Craig Bellamy (R)
‘Cameron is such a great player and his performances are getting better every week,’ Anasta said.
‘Why would he rush into a new deal? He will keep playing with the freedom he has got, he has a clear mind and in November he can decide what he wants to do.
‘There’s been some talk that he is about to sign with the Dolphins but that’s not the case.
‘He’s at the stage of his career where he has put the dramas behind him. He loves playing and living in Melbourne, but the instruction I have from Cameron is to wait and see what’s available on the open market.’
