Wayne Bennett sees Cameron Munster as a 50-50 chance of joining the Dolphins after the NRL’s newest club confirmed their latest recruit.
The Dophins added Tom Gilbert to their roster on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old returning home from North Queensland after first starring as a teenager at Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup.
The Cowboys edge or middle forward, who was the Q Cup’s rookie and lock of the year in 2019, joins experienced forwards Felise Kaufusi, Ray Stone, Jesse and Kenny Bromwich at the new club next season.
But there is no secret around the fact the Dolphins are still without a main marquee man.
Bennett insisted on Tuesday night things remained on track, saying there was no need for the panic button Cameron Smith declared was close to being pushed last week.
It comes after Kalyn Ponga joined Reed Mahoney, Brandon Smith, Harry Grant and Jahrome Hughes in signing elsewhere.
“I was never going to get all the players I wanted, not all of them. And we lost some of them,” Bennett told Nine.
“But others we have got. I’m confident we will get there in the end. It’s a process and I am happy to stay with the process.”
Munster would be crucial to that process.
He remains contracted to the Storm for 2023, and Melbourne have made clear he will not be released early.
NRL contracting rules state he can therefore not be offered anything for 2024 until November 1, and nor can he be lured to try and be released early.
But Bennett is also making no secret of the fact they would be happy to have Munster north as early as possible.
“We are keen to have Cameron at Redcliffe whether it is 2023 or 2024. We are working with his management,” Bennett said.
“I’m not overly confident but I am not underconfident either.
“There is a fair bit to be done yet, but we feel like we are headed in the right direction with our end of the bargain and hopefully Cameron will want to come.”
Gilbert’s signing was accomplished after he was released from the final year of his Cowboys deal on compassionate grounds.
“This is the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my life, which is why it has taken me this long,” Gilbert said in a statement.
“I’ve been sitting on this for about four months, but it’s time for me to go home and be with my family – they need me.
“It means I’m leaving a club that I love, but supporting my family will always come first.”
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! And Munster sure has it in spades ! :silly:
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Yeah, that's my suspicion. But it's not about money at Melbourne Albo. It's the Cultcha ya know.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I'm sure Munster will go nowhere if Melbourne can eek out a lazy $500k third party deal . Has to plenty of cash around there . It is the only team in town . Check with Dan Andrews ! :silly:
matth
Roar Guru
They can talk to him and his manager all they want, they just can;t table an actual offer. Melbourne are entitled to not release him early, in which case the Dolphins can still talk to him about 2024. If Munster signs with Redcliffe for 2024 it wouldn’t surprise me to see Melbourne shop around and if they find the right person, let Munster go for 2023 as part of their forward planning.
Dionysus
Guest
I think that everyone expects Storm to come back with another offer particularly if he performs this year. In fact, I would be surprised if they have not said as much to the lad. After last year, they were right to table 500k less. Munster simply hasn't performed to his potential but if he continues to turn this around ...... My point really is about understanding how Bennett can possibly be making the statements he is.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
they can talk, just cannot sign
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Exactly. A 100k difference, yeah I get that but 500K , no way. .. Now I would not e surprised if the Storm were working on a 3rd party saviour ( I hope the Dolphin's realise this) but the white line fever thing doesn't exactly make him the most marketable of commodities so if they do get one it will be a pure charity call.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
It’s fair to say that what organisations and people say and what they do are often different things. . Munster will eventually be off contract and I’d be amazed if Storn weren’t already preparing their Munster replacement, for whatever reason they might part company. The Dolphins have money spend, and Benny wants him. . On that basis, 50/50 or better sounds about right.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Indeed, 2 contracts if injury-free and strife-free. Maybe only 1 contract.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
If Munster stays with the Storm for 500 k less a season he is not the full packet of SAOs. He's 27. He has 2 contracts left and that's all she wrote.
Dionysus
Guest
So the Dolphins cannot talk to Munster ahead of November 1 and yet they are talking to Anasta about him. How is that not a breech of the rules ? Also, the Storm have said they want to keep Munster and Munster has said he is happy in Melbourne plus the Storm have said that there is no way they will release him early and you cannot speak with him and yet Bennett says its a process and he is a 50:50 chance. How can that possibly be ? Just keep stirring the pot, it must be a slow news day.