Melbourne Storm star Jahrome Hughes has revealed that the club’s players have been trying to convince Cam Munster to stay with the club long-term.
Munster, who put in a man of the match performance to defeat the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday night, is yet to ink a deal beyond the end of next year and is known to be a target for the Dolphins.
“100% we are in his ear, but he has got to do what he’s got to do,” said Hughes in the press conference after the Sharks win.
“It’s his decision. Us as a playing group and a club we want him to stay obviously. I’ll be putting a little bit of pressure on him, but I’m not going to be putting too much pressure on him.
“He has got to what he has got to do and he has still got two more years. He has still got this year and next year.
“I’m in his ear a lot but he has got a young family and he has got to do what is best for himself. But I want him here.”
Nathan Cleary will not be suspended after his alleged hip drop tackle on Billy Walters in last night’s clash between Penrith and Brisbane.
There had been fears that the Panthers star could be suspended, but the NRL judiciary has settled on a $1000 fine – $1,500 if challenged – for dangerous contact.
Kobe Hetherington has also escaped a charge from an incident in the same game where he pulled the hair of Jarome Luai. He also faces the same fine situation, as does Brandon Wakeham, who was put on report for a crusher tackle in the Bulldogs – Souths game.
The slap fight between Dylan Edwards and Keenan Palasia in the Panthers – Broncos game has escaped any censure from the disciplinary panel.
Elsewhere, Anthony Milford has been granted a conditional approval to sign with Newcastle, pending a behavioural course and rehabilitation program.
The halfback pled guilty last week to wilful damage and public nuisance, while other charges relating to assault, including pushing a woman, were withdrawn.
The NRL released a statement detailed a path for Milford to return to play, which could happen as soon as Round 11.
It read: “The NRL’s review has included a consideration of agreed facts tendered in the proceedings which included that Milford acted in an offensive manner and twice pushed a woman backwards during an incident on a Brisbane street on 20 September, 2021.
“On one of those occasions, the agreed facts state that Milford’s actions caused the woman to fall and hit her head on concrete. These are matters which are naturally of serious concern to the NRL.
“The NRL did not consider Milford’s registration until the completion of the criminal proceedings and review of those outcomes, including the agreed evidence tendered in court.
“Taking into account the time Milford has spent out of the game, his application for registration with the Newcastle Knights will now be registered on a conditional basis with mandatory requirements.
“Milford’s eligibility to play in the Premiership will be conditional on him successfully completing a series of personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs and ongoing assessments with NRL Wellbeing & Education, including regular updates to the Integrity Unit about his progress.
“Milford will be granted conditional registration to train with the Newcastle Knights while he completes these programs, but will not be permitted to play until the programs have been substantially completed, he has been assessed by an appropriate professional, and met with the NRL.
“He will not be permitted to play before Round 11, providing 4 weeks for the relevant programs and assessment.
“The NRL has zero tolerance for any form of violence involving women and will always take serious action in relation to such incidents.
“The conditions placed on Milford’s registration take into account the serious nature of the incident and focus on the education and rehabilitation of Milford prior to him being allowed to compete in the Premiership.”
steveng
Roar Rookie
Don't be naive as they do, half of them do that as there is nothing wrong with them, especially the Panthers players. even in this game they were trying to milk crushers.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
Dislike for Luai is no different to people's dislike for Adam Goodes.
JennyFromPenny
Guest
steveng, how disappointing. A player completely uninjured should writhe around on the ground as if he was? Is that the South Sydney approach to being outplayed ?
Dandragon
Roar Rookie
Same old conspiratorial victimology time after time.
NSWelshman
Roar Rookie
No probs mate…just find it concerning how much the Panthers get away with.
WA Sharks Fan
Roar Rookie
The following passage is directly from an interview Cleary had with Johns and is published on fox sports and reflects my comment. Clearly Cleary was remorseful but also accepted it was “really bad”, his words. I love that you have passion for your club, but don’t be blind to the things they do, do wrong. “Cleary was quick to agree that the tackle wasn’t pretty. “That was a really bad one,” Cleary admitted. “It was an awkward tackle, I rushed out and tried to take him to the ground. It was poor technique. “As soon as my leg came off the ground, anything can happen from there. I definitely didn’t do it with any intent, but it was a real ugly one.” Johns then asked Cleary what he said to Walters once the tackle had finished. “I was just apologising straight away,” Cleary said”.
Kent Dorfman
Roar Rookie
Cleary not suspended - who saw this coming? gotta make sure Nancy doesn't get suspended so he can win the Daily M
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Good to see some South African RL fans. May it continue.
ForeverBok
Roar Rookie
I am 76, South African, and bleed Green and Gold for my beloved Springboks. But right up there with my Bokke, are the sensational Melbourne Storm. I am blown away by the speed, flair, physical strength, and the consistent dynamic way the Storm play the game. Watching the Storm play is high speed precision stunning choreography on a rugby field. And I have never been to Melbourne.
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Sorry I thought you were referring to the NRL no fault stand down policy.
NSWelshman
Roar Rookie
Neither did the charges again Pearce, Carney, Monaghan etc yet they were banned from playing!!!
Rob
Guest
Alfie pulled them forward from my memory. Alfie face planted forwards charging at him mostly. Cleary hooked the knee and pulled Walters back over his hip. Anyway it’s illegal and not allowed under the current rules. You want to identify a hip dropper Hindmarsh, Cayless and Beau Scott who made a career out of it.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
I watched Alfie pull that exact same tackle off many many times. He was all for wrapping legs on a standing player with his legs. It happened a lot.
Rob
Guest
Munster put on a wonderfully display of Rugby League skill. So glad he’s made some healthy smart changes to his life. It’s showing in his game. Not in ability, but in a calm disciplined way. Cameron doesn’t look like an angry frustrated player now? Good luck to him. Cleary got lucky and bailed out on the awkward move without another player taking and active roll. Don’t know if he should have been suspended as Walters avoid injury. Injuries sustained are the major factor in penalties like suspension. What a great display of Rugby League by the Storm and Sharks. I have disliked plenty of things those clubs have served up in years before but I would certainly be proud if every team aspired to that type performance. Because of the attitude towards playing football the officiating didn’t become an issue with the result IMO. Well done also ref I really enjoyed watching a great game of football were you didn’t try spinning the momentum.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Cleary fined by judiciary, but escapes ban... As I predicted. I guess that stint as a referees' consultant for Ivan Cleary when he indulged himself in schmoozing up to the referees, the Match Review Committee, the judiciary and media is really paying off for the guy that skipped out on the Tigers and left them in the deepest hole in their history. “He (Ivan Cleary) worked for them. He worked for the referees before he went back into coaching. I’ve got to assume he’s got some mates there still.” - Wayne Bennett
SPM
Roar Rookie
No hair pulling is a dog act and again I say that if players move away from wrestling techniques these incidents would disappear Additionally secure you hair or get a hair cut and it would not be an option either.
Larry1950
Guest
Maybe JAC just over rated his contribution to the Storm efforts over the years, Rossi. Guess it’s easier to look a $1m if you get fed by guys like Smith, Munster, Cronk etc compared to the mediocre or inexperienced backs inside him at the bulldogs. Got ‘fullback money’ to return to Sydney but yet to show he’s capable of providing the team with that ‘fullback money’ contribution. As we should all acknowledge, if the clubs are willing to pay the big bucks, why should a player not accept it. As for Munster’s mates at the Storm trying to convince him to stay, I notice they’re doing it after they lock up their big pay increases putting pressure on the salary cap. No mention of them all dropping $100K each to accomodate Munster.
mach4
Roar Rookie
I agree 100% that he has the leadership ability to control from the back and the talent, and speed, it should happen asap. Have been saying it for months it seems coaches concern themselves with their own egos as to what is the right fit for the club. There would be an immediate turnaround in our attack with the Fox at the back.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I lot can happen in 2 years which is what Munster still has in his contract. At that time he will also be 30 years old. Just like JAC I think he should cash out and I think if he does the Storm will wish him all the best. Hopefully there will be another player ready to go. The fact that Nick Meaney has more tries than JAC shows the gap that exists between the 2 clubs. JAC isn't doing nothing at the Dogs..he is top 5 for tackle busts for outside backs in the NRL. The way he is playing within that team you wonder whether he would have ever played Origin if he hadn't gone to the Storm.
steveng
Roar Rookie
A trip is not a legal anything, poster boy Cleary’s tackle looked a low act, ugly and should be completely stamped out of the game, but then again its Nathan Cleary so it won’t and these blokes will get away with it. Walters should have taken a dive and rolled around like a soccer player and maybe then it would have been pulled up as that is where the game is going towards!