Melbourne Storm’s board seriously considered terminating Cameron Munster’s contract, club chairman Matt Tripp has revealed.
As the controversial star begins a four-week stint at a rehabilitation facility for alcohol abuse, Tripp told The Sydney Morning Herald the Origin five-eighth came extremely close to being let go by the Storm over the ‘white substance’ video scandal.
Tripp underlined the fact that Munster was removed from his usual support network due to the Storm’s relocation to Queensland over the last two years.
Instead of cutting him loose, the board ultimately decided to stick by him, while having Munster adhere to stricter measures in regards to alcohol.
On top of the one-match ban and $30,000 fine Munster received from the NRL, the Storm hit Munster with a suspended $100,000 fine, ordered him to stop drinking for a year and supported his stint in rehabilitation.
“The board came close to terminating his contract, but the same board are fully united in wanting to help turn his life around and make him a long-term Melbourne Storm player,” Tripp said. “I know he will repay the faith. I’m confident of that. And so are the board.”
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Tripp acknowledged Munster is the No.1 target for the NRL’s second Brisbane team who will enter the competition in two years. Munster is a Brisbane boy and has admitted that moving back home would be appealing once he comes off contract with Melbourne in 2023.
However, Tripp said the latest incident involving the troubled star is proof the 27-year-old is best served by staying in Melbourne.
“By returning home to Melbourne, he will be back in the environment where he thrives best and where he has played his best footy,” Tripp said. “When Cameron is back home he has structure in his life.
“When he’s been in Queensland, the spotlight is always on you, especially with a player with the profile he has.
“There is a lot less of that down here, and he benefits from that routine of going to training and going home. He’s also got a baby on the way, which will be a real positive for him – it will be the most positive thing to happen in his life.
“By abstaining from drinking 12 months, completing rehab, being back in Melbourne, his home town, and having a big pre-season, we will see the old Cameron Munster back.
“He’s often told me he wants to finish his career in Melbourne. I’ve said to him the best place to see out his career is the Melbourne Storm.”
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