Cameron Munster signs NRL contract extension with Melbourne Storm
Munster #Munster
Cameron Munster has ended months of speculation about his playing future by turning down a massive offer from the NRL’s newest club to re-sign with the Melbourne Storm.
Munster has agreed to a four-year contract extension that will keep the Queensland State of Origin star at the Storm through to the end of the 2027 season.
The decision ends a public bidding war between the Storm and the Dolphins, who will enter the NRL next year.
It is understood Munster has given up a significant amount of money to stay in Melbourne instead of heading back to his home state, Queensland.
Only on Wednesday, the 28-year-old said he was still torn over the decision about his playing future, with his current Storm contract expiring at the end of next season.
However, before heading to England with the Kangaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup, Munster let the Storm know of his intention to stay with the club .
“I love the Melbourne Storm and I am proud to be committing to the club for a further four years,” Munster said in a Storm statement.
“It is such an important decision for me and, in the end, Melbourne is where my heart is. Melbourne is where I want to play my footy, and Melbourne is the club I want to be a part of for the rest of my career.
“I’ve always wanted to be a one-club player. Storm gave me the chance to play NRL and the club has become a second home for me since making my debut.”
Storm chair Matt Tripp said the club was thrilled the “generational talent” was staying with the NRL powerhouse.
“Cameron will always be a Queenslander, but we are pleased he now calls Melbourne home as well,” Tripp said.
“Cameron has matured a lot, on and off the field, over the last 12 months. He has worked extremely hard in the off-season to get himself into shape and has proven he is one of the best players in the NRL again.”
Munster joins Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Xavier Coates, Justin Olam and Christian Welch, who have all signed long-term deals to stay at Storm until at least the end of the 2025 season.
AAP/ABC