MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 13: Cameron Munster of the Storm looks on during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Gosch's Paddock on September 13, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)
Storm playmaker Cameron Munster has revealed that he turned down a move to Parramatta in hopes of leading Melbourne into life after Cameron Smith.
Melbourne and Parramatta will face off at AAMI Park in Saturday night's elimination final, meaning Munster will lock horns with Eels counterpart Mitchell Moses, just 12 months after the Western Sydney based club began talks with his management regarding his plans beyond 2019.
Both the Roosters and Cowboys join the Eels in showing recent interest in the Maroons five-eighth, with Parramatta looking to add competition for halves Corey Norman and Moses as the pair have struggled to work in a partnership.
Moses' management were keen to move the halfback down to Melbourne, but a deal struggled to surface due to financial circumstances.
Munster signed on with the Storm until the end of 2023 in hope of carrying the club's success into the post-Cameron Smith era, admitting his decision came down to loyalty.
"Parra were interested," Munster told the Herald.
"They are a club on the up, there's no doubt about that, and they have some good structure and recruitment. They will be a strong side to play against over the next two or three years.
"They have young talent coming through with the likes of Dylan Brown playing some good footy. But I wanted to stay with the Storm. I'm loyal, they gave me my opportunity and I want to try and build a legacy after 'Smithy'.
"Everyone says when Smithy goes the club will be in a hole. But that's something I want to pride myself on ... when he does go, that this club is in good hands and we have some decent recruitment and players around us.
"I told Jahrome he just needs to play his role and game and that's him running the ball and being a threat with the ball in his hands," Munster said.
"He creates something out of nothing the majority of the time. He just needs to back himself more and not worry about the number on his back.
"He's strong in contact and somehow weaves his way through traffic and breaks tackles. He's not a big bloke, but when he does those things at fullback or halfback it gives you a lift in energy. Fingers crossed he does that this weekend and can cause some havoc for the Eels' edge."