LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Cameron Munster used his platform within the NRL to advocate for maintaining the integrity of the game, expressing his concerns during a wide-ranging interview on various topics.
The change that upset Munster the most pertained to the proposed modification of how play restarts after a try. This adjustment would give the conceding team the option to decide whether they want to receive the following kickoff. Although the NRL has confirmed this new rule, it will be trialed at the end of the 2026 season in matches that do not impact the finals.
"You definitely never know what the rule changes that the NRL is deciding to do every year," Munster commented. "That's a dig... I just don't think we need to touch the game a whole heap. I think the game is in a great place; I don't really agree with the (proposed changes to the) kick return, but that's my opinion. I'm sure they (the league) won't care about my opinion too much," he added.
Munster also addressed the retirement rumors he unintentionally sparked recently. He reaffirmed his stance that he intends to retire on his own terms. "I'm not old in terms of age, but 'footy age' - it creeps up on you. I just want to be able to dictate my terms and retire on my terms," he noted.
He expressed concern about retiring due to injury, stating, "There's a lot of guys in the game that have had concussions or injuries and retired from those injuries - I don't want to be one of them (sic) guys that gets to a stage of squeezing the lemon so hard that I have to retire medically. I want to be able to go out on my terms... so I can enjoy life after footy."
Despite jokes about his age and physical condition, the five-eighth recently enjoyed a successful campaign, achieving personal records in tackles made and try assists. He attributes this accomplishment to his strong chemistry on the left edge and improved fitness.