Cameron Munster drops fresh hints on NRL future ahead of free agency

Cameron Munster has done just about everything in his decade-plus NRL career, but the frenzy of free agency on November 1 has always eluded the Melbourne playmaker.

The 32-year-old has won two premierships, a World Cup and many a State of Origin series, but after a disappointing campaign with the Storm he could be preparing for a change of scenery for the first time in his career.

He has negotiated with rival clubs before, including rejecting a monster bid from the Dolphins as they were preparing to enter the competition, but has always ended up signing on to stay in Melbourne.

However, the tax-free pull of the new expansion team PNG Chiefs is incredibly strong.

Munster’s current contract with the Storm runs until the end of 2027 and an extension offer reportedly worth $750,000 per season has been tabled, but knocked back by the star who currently earns $1.1 million per year.

While free agency was a first, 2026 had another first for the Storm five-eighth as he missed the finals for the only time in his career, ending Melbourne’s 15-year post-season streak.

“The club’s done so much for me. I’m very grateful for the career I’ve had there.

“I’m not saying I’m leaving, I love the club and hopefully we can come to an agreement.

“I’ve never been to November 1 so I wouldn’t know what to do. It’s exciting but I’ve got four weeks to play some good footy for Australia and hopefully cement a spot in the (Storm) squad.”

A return home to Queensland is also an attractive proposition for the Rockhampton junior.

“It’s nice weather up there (Queensland), I do enjoy it up there,” Munster said.

The Queenslander has revealed one thing, his future home ground won’t be in Sydney.

“If I lived in Sydney, mate, you’d on my doorstep every week,” the two-time premiership winner told members of the media.

“I don’t know if I’m too keen on having you at my doorstep every week.”