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PNG Chiefs closing on another huge signing
Melissa Woods & Jasper Bruce, AAP • July 23rd, 2026 4:46 pm
Storm superstar Cameron Munster could be off to the PNG Chiefs | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Cameron Munster has been granted permission to negotiate with the PNG Chiefs in a move that could land the expansion side their second NRL premiership-winning playmaker.
Five-eighth Munster earns a seven-figure salary on his Melbourne deal, which expires at the end of next year, and would ordinarily be unable to negotiate with rivals until November.
Munster could yet re-sign with the Storm, where he has played 251 games since his NRL debut in 2014.
But AAP have been told the Storm have allowed their longest-serving active player to entertain a move to the Chiefs, who will become the NRL's 19th team from 2028.
It has set the stage for Munster to form a potent halves combination with Jarome Luai, the four-time premiership-winning former Panther who became the Chiefs' inaugural signing in April.
Jarome Luai was the Chiefs' inaugural marquee signing | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
The Chiefs' roster, assembled by journalist-turned-football manager Michael Chammas, is shaping as elite more than 18 months before they play their first game.
Aside from Luai, the Chiefs have already secured the NRL's greatest-ever tryscorer in Alex Johnston and former NSW utility Connor Watson.
In recent days, they have been linked to cross-code stars Zac Lomax and Joey Manu, who were both top-tier outside backs before moves to rugby union.
The possible arrival of Munster could end up as the biggest signing of the lot.
Cameron Munster has been a long-time star for Melbourne, Queensland and Australia | Photo: Dave Hunt/AAP
The 31-year-old is Queensland's captain in State of Origin and won the 2017 and 2020 premierships with the Storm.
He has had a mixed 2026 season at a lukewarm Melbourne side but is still considered one of the league's premier halves, winning Dally M five-eighth of the year three times.
Munster is currently sidelined with a knee injury so will miss Friday's away trip to face South Sydney but is expected back in the final weeks of the regular season.
