LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Player agent Braith Anasta has addressed the speculation surrounding Cameron Munster leaving Melbourne, indicating that Munster wishes to stay in the city. This comes as a setback for emerging talent Jonah Pezet. Recently, discussions about Munster's future intensified when Jahrome Hughes signed a contract extension with the Melbourne Storm through to 2030.
Hughes' re-signing raised concerns about the club's ability to retain all three stars: Munster, Harry Grant, and Ryan Papenhuyzen, due to salary cap restrictions. Meanwhile, Pezet has been waiting for opportunities under the established halves partnership.
With Hughes' contract extension, Pezet now has the option to explore other clubs, according to a clause in his contract. However, it was suggested that Pezet could choose to "bide his time if Munster was tempted to leave" for a lucrative deal with the Perth Bears.
When asked about Munster's future with the Storm, coach Craig Bellamy expressed his desire for the talented playmaker to stay. Despite ongoing rumors linking Munster as a marquee signing for the upcoming team in 2027, Anasta has worked to dispel the chatter.
During an appearance on NRL 360, Anasta clarified that Munster does not plan to leave Melbourne before his contract concludes and emphasized that the current talk is merely speculation. Although Anasta didn't rule out changing circumstances, he noted that Munster is inclined to fulfill his deal until the end of the 2027 season and may prefer to be a one-club player.
"It's probably right for me to clear a few things up and talk on behalf of the situation," Anasta stated. "Cameron doesn't want to leave Melbourne and Melbourne don't want to let him go. At the moment, it's really just all speculation."
He further remarked, "One thing is for sure, I'm not shopping him to Perth and I'm not allowed to shop him to Perth. It's a unique situation, because you've got a new franchise which doesn't come along too often and they could have possible interest in him. Then you've got the Melbourne Storm, who are trying to fit five or six superstars into their salary cap."