Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster has been given the green light to explore negotiations with the upcoming PNG Chiefs team, a move that could see the premiership-winning playmaker join the National Rugby League's 19th franchise. The Storm's longest-serving active player, Munster is currently earning a seven-figure salary, with his contract set to expire at the end of next year.
Munster's management has initiated discussions with the PNG club, and the 31-year-old may visit Port Moresby as he recovers from a knee injury. While a contract extension with the Storm, where he has played 251 games since his 2014 debut, remains a possibility, the door has now opened for him to potentially partner with Jarome Luai. Luai, a four-time premiership winner formerly with the Penrith Panthers, was the Chiefs' inaugural signing in April, agreeing to a three-year deal worth $3.6 million.
The PNG Chiefs, under the assembly of football manager Michael Chammas, are reportedly building an elite roster well in advance of their inaugural 2028 season. Beyond Luai, the team has also secured Alex Johnston, the NRL's all-time leading tryscorer, and former New South Wales utility player Connor Watson. Recent reports have linked the Chiefs to cross-code stars Zac Lomax and Joey Manu, who previously played top-tier rugby league before transitioning to rugby union.
Tax-free salaries are a significant incentive for players considering a move to the Federal Government-backed Chiefs. Munster, who captains Queensland in the State of Origin and has won two premierships with the Storm, along with a World Cup with Australia, is considered one of the league's premier halves. He has been recognized as the Dally M five-eighth of the year three times. Previously, Munster was linked to other expansion teams, including the Dolphins for their 2023 debut and a potential move to Perth for the 2027 season, but ultimately chose to honor his Storm commitments. Munster is currently sidelined with a knee injury and will miss the Storm's upcoming match against the South Sydney Rabbitohs. He is expected to return in the final weeks of the regular season.