Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has given Cameron Munster his blessing to negotiate with the PNG Chiefs after the club granted the Queensland and Australian star permission to explore an opportunity with the NRL's newest franchise.

Munster, a two-time NRL premiership winner and one of Melbourne's longest-serving players, has emerged as a potential marquee signing for the PNG Chiefs as the club continues building its inaugural squad ahead of its 2028 entry into the competition. The franchise recently announced Zac Lomax as Player No. 005.

Speaking after Melbourne's 26-24 loss to the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Saturday night, Bellamy said he would fully support Munster if he decided to leave the club.

"I am happy to let him go. He has done a lot for our club. He has been a great servant and very loyal, so if he wants to go, then he goes with my blessing," Bellamy said.

Munster's signing would represent one of the biggest recruitment coups in the club's short history. The three-time Dally M Five-eighth of the Year is among the NRL's highest-paid players and would likely command one of the richest contracts at the PNG Chiefs.

If Munster joins the franchise, he would partner fellow elite playmaker Jerome Luai, who became the Chiefs' inaugural signing as Player No. 001. Together, the pair have won six NRL premierships, with Munster claiming two titles and Luai four.

Munster has played more than 250 first grade matches across 12 seasons with Melbourne, won two premierships from four grand final appearances, captained Queensland and remains Australia's first-choice five-eighth.

His experience, leadership and on-field success make him a strong candidate to captain the PNG Chiefs, although it remains unclear whether that role has already been earmarked for Luai.

The PNG Chiefs have remained tight-lipped about their recruitment strategy and traditionally do not confirm negotiations until players are officially unveiled in Port Moresby.

Source: 9 News Queensland