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Munster discusses Storm future amid PNG Chiefs links

Two-time NRL premiership player Cameron Munster has yet to decide his long-term playing future. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

Melbourne star Cameron Munster will sit down with Storm bosses to discuss the club's long-term coaching plans as he weighs up whether to see out his career as a one-club player.

As Melbourne stare down the first season in more than a decade where they will not feature in the NRL finals, Storm coach Craig Bellamy has declared he will remain in charge for 2027, despite publicly disclosing his battle with a "neurodegenerative disorder" earlier this year.

Assistants Ryan Hinchcliffe and Aaron Bellamy - Craig's son - have both been linked to replacing the supercoach, who is contracted until the end of 2028.

Craig Bellamy
Despite health issues, Craig Bellamy has committed to coaching the Storm in 2027. (Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)

And despite standing down as Queensland coach last week, Storm great Billy Slater has consistently claimed the grind of day-to-day NRL coaching doesn't appeal to him.

Munster is off contract at the end of next season and was recently given permission by Melbourne to speak with the PNG Chiefs ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028.

"That (the Storm's coaching plans) is something that I need to obviously speak to the club about and my management," Munster said ahead of Thursday's clash with Penrith.

"That's all well and good and whoever's going to be the coach (after Bellamy), I know 'Bellyache' is the coach next year.

Craig Bellamy and Cameron Munster
Craig Bellamy and Cameron Munster were full of optimism at the launch of the 2026 NRL season. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

"We're very lucky to have him for another year, whether that's further beyond that, I'm not too sure what he decides or the club.

"I know full well that I'll be here next year with him, and I'm looking forward to having a better year than it was this year."

Munster made his debut for the Storm in 2014 and has played in six grand finals, winning two premierships (2017, 2020).

The five-eighth turns 32 in September, meaning his next contract is likely to be his last on top dollar.

"Obviously the coach does play a part, and the coach has got to want me here as well," Munster said on Monday.

Cameron Munster (left)
Cameron Munster (left) with teammates after the Storm beat the Panthers to win the 2020 premiership. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

"We've got some good young kids coming through our grades and our pathways.

"I love the club, I have so much respect and love for it. They're the club that gave me my first chance and I'm about giving back to that.

"I could have gone to other clubs for more money, but at the same time I've got to make sure I do the right thing for my family too - I've got three maniac kids and they've got to go to school and get a better education than myself."

Munster, meanwhile, urged the Queensland Rugby League to reach out to Cameron Smith as they weigh up a replacement for Slater.

Cameron Munster has a close encounter with Cameron Smith
Cameron Munster has a close encounter with Cameron Smith at a Maroons training session in 2022. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Smith was previously on Slater's Maroons coaching staff, but has yet to declare whether he will apply for the Queensland coaching job.

"When you look at guys like him (Smith), Billy and JT (Johnathan Thurston), they're guys that have been in that arena a long time and had a lot of success," said Munster, who was made Maroons captain by Slater midway through the 2025 series.

"It'll be a no-brainer to have a chat to Smithy, (but) I'm not sure if he wants to do it."

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