Why Smith will back Munster if superstar leaves

NRL great CAMERON SMITH will appear on Nine’s 100% FOOTY tonight, debating rugby league’s hottest topics alongside Michael Chammas, Paul Gallen and James Bracey. Tune in tonight at 10.50pm (AEST) following a bumper round five!

Melbourne legend Cameron Smith says he’ll understand Cameron Munster‘s standpoint if his former teammate departs the Storm, pointing to the lure of big bucks amid the Dolphins’ pursuit.

Nine and Sydney Morning Herald reporter Michael Chammas confirmed on Nine’s 100% Footy on Monday that Munster had been offered a two-year contract extension worth $750,000-$800,000 per season to remain in Melbourne.

The 27-year-old Munster is off contract at the end of 2023, and the NRL’s incoming 17th franchise, the Dolphins, have been particularly interested in Storm players. The Bromwich brothers, Jesse and Kenneath, as well as State of Origin back-rower Felise Kaufusi, have all signed deals with the club from next season.

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While Chammas confirmed the Storm would hold Munster to the final year of his contract next season, negotiations to keep the playmaker beyond 2023 are looking difficult, with reports the Dolphins have put forward a deal worth more than $1 million a year to lure him out of Victoria.

Smith was pressed by former NRL and Origin rival Paul Gallen on what he would do if he was in Munster’s shoes.

“If there’s a $500,000 difference, I would be tempted to go,” Smith said on 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 Storm 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.”

Stream the NRL premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.

Smith and Munster were premiership teammates with the Storm in 2017 and 2020.

Munster has played 155 NRL games for the Storm since making his debut in 2014.

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