Cameron Munster, the standout five-eighth for the Melbourne Storm, and Michael Chammas, the director of football for PNG Chiefs, have both revealed that contract negotiations have come to a standstill.
Due to an injury, Munster received permission to explore opportunities with the new NRL team, which will be able to engage players set to be off-contract by the end of 2027 starting November 1, a situation that includes Munster.
On his 167 Podcast, Munster acknowledged that discussions are limited but mentioned that he was slated to travel to Papua New Guinea simultaneously with Zac Lomax, although he ultimately decided against it.
"There isn't much really to talk about. It's been out in the media," Munster stated during the podcast.
"Braith kind of spoke about it in depth. They were interested."
"I was meant to fly to PNG on Friday afternoon or Saturday afternoon when the Zac Lomax stuff came out. I was supposed to be on the same flight as him to go and look at the facilities."
"With all the hype around it, and the way the media knew about it, I just thought it probably wasn't a good look for not only myself, but also the club with the way we have been going."
"I guess I just want to say thank you to the club for allowing me to negotiate, but I'll just have to wait to November 1 to do that stuff now. I guess they just wanted to pay their respects to me to look elsewhere if I have to or want to, but I just knew it probably wasn't a good look. The boys are playing Friday night and I'm heading to PNG."
"As much as it would be nice to go and do it, I just thought it wasn't the right time. I can just wait until November 1 and yeah, see how it happens from there."