Cameron Munster has opened up about the current state of the Melbourne Storm roster, lifting the lid on the internal conversations taking place as the club navigates one of its most intriguing off-seasons in years. With Jonah Pezet officially gone and Ryan Papenhuyzen now linked to Wayne Bennett’s new Perth franchise, the Storm’s playmaking structure and future identity are firmly under the microscope — and so too is Munster’s own long-term future.
For the Storm, 2025 looms as a defining season. The departure of Pezet, who was seen as a potential long-term successor in the halves, has created both a challenge and an opportunity for Craig Bellamy’s squad. The young playmaker’s exit to Parramatta — following weeks of confusion and speculation about a potential deal with Brisbane — leaves a hole in Melbourne’s depth chart behind Munster and Jahrome Hughes. According to Munster, the club is already exploring options to bolster the spine and ensure continuity beyond next year.
“Losing Jonah obviously hurts because he’s a talented kid and has a bright future,” Munster said. “But that’s footy. Players move around, and the club’s already talking about how we adjust and keep building towards what’s next. We’ve got a great system here, and Bellyache always finds a way to make it work.”
Then there’s Ryan Papenhuyzen — the electric fullback who, at his best, is one of the most explosive players in the game. But with rumours intensifying about R360, the proposed Perth expansion club led by Wayne Bennett, the Storm face the prospect of another key figure being courted by rival suitors. Munster admitted those whispers have been discussed internally, though he insists the team remains focused on stability and success.
“Paps is a massive part of what we do, and everyone knows how important he is to our setup,” Munster said. “Obviously, there’s been a lot of talk about Perth and Wayne — and if you’re a player, that’s always going to get your attention. But right now, we’re focused on what we can control. We want to win another comp together.”
For Munster himself, speculation never seems far away. The Storm’s star five-eighth is under contract until 2027, but with talk linking him to potential future expansion teams or even a Queensland homecoming, he’s learned to take the noise in stride. “People have been talking about my future since I debuted,” he joked. “I love Melbourne. This club’s been my family. But you never say never in this game. Right now, my priority’s helping the boys and enjoying footy again.”
Behind the scenes, Melbourne’s recruitment team has been quietly active. With Bellamy expected to stay on as head coach for at least one more year, the club is eyeing both experience and emerging youth to reinforce its depth. A potential move for an off-contract utility back or playmaker is reportedly being considered, as well as promoting local talent from the Storm’s successful feeder system.
As the NRL landscape shifts — with expansion, salary cap pressure, and player movement dominating headlines — the Storm’s trademark consistency is being tested like never before. But if there’s one constant in the chaos, it’s Cameron Munster’s leadership and belief in the purple machine. “People always doubt us,” he said. “But we’ve still got the culture, the hunger, and the belief. That’s what keeps Melbourne Storm dangerous.”
