Munster's 13-year stay in Melbourne looked to be extended beyond a 14th season when fellow half Jonah Pezet was transferred to Parramatta Eels ahead of an impending move to Brisbane in 2027 on a three-year deal.
The one-club veteran had been heavily linked with Perth Bears last year before putting an end to the speculation when he declared that the Storm would have to "push (him) out in a wheelchair" at the end of his contract in November 2027.
Like many NRL stars contracted until the end of 2027 or earlier, questions about his availability for the NRL's two new franchises have come thick and fast, and in Munster's case will now go into overdrive after the Melbourne Storm allowed him to enter into discussions with the PNG Chiefs ahead of schedule.
Munster's contract allows him to discuss options with other clubs from November 2026 onwards, but Storm executives have reportedly allowed him to enter into formal talks with the PNG board whilst he is sidelined with a knee injury that is keeping him off the field for at least another three rounds.
Executive Chairman Matthew Tripp had only weeks ago ruled out Munster leaving the club "unless someone comes and blows us out of the water" with a vastly superior financial offer, which could well come from Port Moresby given the side have signed only seven players ahead of their entry into the competition in 2028.
NRL record try scorer Alex Johnston is joining Wests Tigers half Jarome Luai, Sydney Roosters hooker Connor Watson, English prop Matty Lees and a trio of London Broncos-employed PNG internationals at the new club.
Munster's agent, Braith Anasta, confirmed to Code Sports on Thursday that the talks are now open.
“We have been in constant communication with Melbourne and Melbourne have the greatest of respect for Cam," he said.
"We have had some dialogue with PNG but remain completely open to Cameron finishing his career at Melbourne.”
Whilst it is unlikely that a deal could be completed between now and Munster's return to the field, it does allow the parties to enter into advanced negotiations from November 1 as per Munster's Storm contract.
The news of Munster's potential defection comes on the same day that Brisbane Broncos lock Pat Carrigan asked for speculation about his own future to be shut down.
Carrigan is contracted through to the end of 2028 and had previously been identified as a potential Chiefs acquisition after comments earlier this year suggesting that the tax-free contracts offered to PNG players as an incentive to move overseas was "appealing".
He insisted on Thursday that it was a general comment not relating to his own circumstances, showing his frustration with Queensland journalist Pete Badel.
"I think you asked me if it's appealing? I said 100% it is appealing to all NRL players. To answer your question, it is," Carrigan said directly to Badel.
"I've got two years left on my contract. There are plenty of other players coming off contract. I'm locked up until 2028 and I'm here to win."
"I already have a couple of years left and I am very happy. So if you could stop asking me about contract situations, that would be very good."
Aaron Murphy has been with Flashscore since 2018 and, as the founding editor of the Australian newsdesk, has reported on-site at several major events in Melbourne including the Australian Open, State of Origin, A-League, NBL and international cricket. You can read his pieces here and contact him on X or LinkedIn.
