'Tempted to go': Shock twist in Cameron Munster contract saga
Melbourne Storm legend Cam Smith has weighed in on Cameron Munster's contract saga in comments that are sure to come as a shock to the club and its fans.
Munster's future at the Storm has been one of the most talked about subjects of the season, amid reported interest from the NRL's newest franchise, the Dolphins and the understanding that the Origin five-eighth will have to take a huge pay cut if he's to stay in Melbourne.
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The two-time premiership winner is currently on around $1.1 million a year, but a new deal at the Storm looks set to see his salary slashed to $750,000 a year after the Storm retained stars Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes on million-dollar deals.
In contrast, an offer from the Dolphins could net Munster some $450,000 a year more, with reports the NRL's newest franchise is targeting the playmaker in a $1.2 million per season deal.
Speaking on Channel 9’s 100% Footy on Monday night, Melbourne's former captain and club legend Smith said he would be "tempted" to leave the Storm if he was in Munster's shoes.
“If there’s a $500,000 difference, I would be tempted to go,” Smith said on Channel 9’s 100% Footy.
“That’s the simplest way to answer that.
“What we’re hearing is that he will be offered $750,000-$800,000 from the Melbourne Storm, and we’re hearing $1.2 million tossed out from the Dolphins.
“That’s a fair bit of cash not to take up.”
Munster revealed to News Corp last year that he will consider a switch to the Wayne Bennett-coached Dolphins at some point in his career.
“For sure I will consider it,” Munster said at the time.
“I know Wayne would be very keen to coach a second Brisbane team. He told me in Origin camp (last November) he is keen on a second Brisbane team, so it would be a very competitive side if Wayne was in charge.”
Cameron Munster firmly on Dolphins radar
Munster's off-field dramas have been well publicised, with the Storm star revealing the club was close to tearing up his contract over the white powder scandal, before he checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic at the end of last season.
Former Queensland Origin star Brent Tate suggested that despite the previous off-field issues, Munster would be a better fit for the Dolphins than fellow Maroons teammate and Newcastle Knights star, Kalyn Ponga.
“I think Munster would be a great recruit for the Dolphins,” Tate said on The Fox League podcast.
“I think when you are talking about a $1 million price tag, while he has been in a little bit of trouble of late, since last year he seems to have got his life on track.
“When he is at his best he is a genuine game-breaker and has an effect on most games that he plays when he is at his best.
“I like the fact the Dolphins are going after him. I think he would be a great marquee signing for them.
Munster was on fire for the Storm in last weekend's 30-16 win over the Canberra Raiders, where he claimed two try assists and more than 150 run metres.
The Storm's next match is against the high-flying Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
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