Cameron Munster, an integral player for the Melbourne Storm, is reportedly being pursued by Rugby Australia and the rebel competition R360 for a potential switch to rugby union. This development comes as the 2025 NRL season draws near, and several of Munster’s teammates also face critical contract decisions.
According to Code Sports, Munster was approached by a third party with ties to Rugby Australia in the weeks leading up to the NRL grand final on October 1, 2023. R360 has added Munster to its list of high-profile targets, which currently includes players like Payne Haas and Ryan Papenhuyzen. The 31-year-old star is said to be intrigued by R360’s proposal, which could offer him a lucrative financial package to transition to the 15-man game.
Munster is currently under contract with the Storm until the end of the 2027 season, earning approximately $1.15 million per year. He previously declined a substantial $6 million four-year deal to join the Dolphins in 2023, opting instead for a lower salary to continue his career in Melbourne. Now, the Perth Bears have emerged as another potential suitor, with his manager, Braith Anasta, confirming that Munster is considering this opportunity.
“We haven’t been formally contacted by R360 but we have heard murmurs. Yes, there could be some interest in him,” Anasta stated. “Right now, Cameron is open to the Perth Bears. I know the Perth Bears are interested in him.”
As Munster weighs his options, his teammates are also navigating their futures. Ryan Papenhuyzen, another pivotal player for the Storm, could potentially be released from his contract if he opts to join the rebel rugby competition. According to Brent Read from The Australian, there is speculation surrounding Papenhuyzen’s future, particularly regarding a move to R360 after the upcoming season.
“Ryan Papenhuyzen is the other big one, all the talk about R360, if he is going to go to R360 at the end of next year,” Read noted. He added that Papenhuyzen has not performed at his best this season, which could influence his decision-making process.
The fullback’s potential departure would not only impact the Storm but could also lead to a lucrative contract in rugby. Phil Rothfield from The Daily Telegraph commented, “If that’s Melbourne’s stance, if you’re going to R360, give him a cab docket and take him to any airport he wants to go to.”
Meanwhile, Jonah Pezet, a rising star, is also facing an important crossroads in his career. Anasta revealed that Pezet has the option to activate a clause in his contract, making him a free agent. He has drawn interest from several clubs, including the Raiders, Rabbitohs, Cowboys, and Knights.
“It’s a huge couple of weeks, more so for Jonah because again with that clause, if we want, we can execute a clause where he is a free agent right now,” Anasta explained. “I will say this, he loves Melbourne. He went there for a reason, he has loved everything he has done there.”
As discussions continue, the Melbourne Storm faces significant decisions regarding its roster. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, a key front-row enforcer, may also be on the move, despite his contract extending until the end of the 2027 season. Read has speculated that Asofa-Solomona’s time with the Storm could be concluding.
“It’s a huge off-season for them. I don’t think Nelson will be there next year,” Read stated. He further noted that Asofa-Solomona has been offered to the Warriors, although the outcome of those discussions remains uncertain.
As the NRL prepares for the 2025 season, the future of several Melbourne Storm players hangs in the balance, with potential transitions to rugby union drawing significant attention. The coming weeks are likely to be pivotal as players weigh their options and the club navigates its roster strategies.
