Cameron Munster has confirmed he considered visiting Papua New Guinea to explore a potential move to the PNG Chiefs before deciding the timing was not right.
The Melbourne Storm star was granted permission to speak with the expansion club, but he has now placed those discussions on hold and plans to wait until the November 1 contract window before making any further decision about his future.
Munster Abandoned Planned PNG Visit
Munster revealed on the 167 Podcast that he had been scheduled to travel to Papua New Guinea alongside new Chiefs signing Zac Lomax to inspect the facilities.
However, the Queensland captain decided against making the trip after details of the planned visit became public. Munster believed travelling while the Storm were enduring a difficult period would not reflect well on him or the club.
He thanked Melbourne for allowing him to explore his options but said he was prepared to delay any further discussions until November 1.
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Family Will Shape Munster’s Decision
Munster remains contracted to the Storm until the end of the 2027 season and has not ruled out finishing his career in Melbourne.
His manager, Braith Anasta, confirmed there had been communication with PNG but said Munster remained open to staying with the Storm.
The 31-year-old acknowledged that his family’s long-term financial security would play an important role in his decision. Munster said he had accepted pay cuts during his career but now needed to consider life beyond rugby league and the future of his wife and three children.
PNG Chiefs Yet to Make Formal Offer
Despite the growing speculation, the Chiefs have not made Munster a formal contract offer.
PNG general manager of football Michael Chammas said the club was not ready to commit to signing the Storm five-eighth and wanted to assess its available playmaking options once the November 1 market opened.
Chammas confirmed Melbourne had given Munster a short window to speak with the Chiefs, but PNG preferred to wait before deciding how he might fit into its inaugural roster.
The Chiefs view Munster as a potential halfback option, despite the majority of his career being spent at five-eighth, but Chammas stressed the club had not yet committed to pursuing him.
Storm Future Remains Possible
Munster’s decision to delay talks leaves the door open for him to extend his stay with Melbourne.
He has played more than 250 games for the Storm since making his NRL debut in 2014 and remains part of the club’s leadership group.
For now, there is no agreement with PNG and no confirmation Munster will leave Melbourne. His future is likely to become clearer after November 1, when the Chiefs can assess the broader halves market and Munster can formally consider his options.
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