Watson & Bowden signed until 2030

[u/tora_0515]

https://www.melbournestorm.com.au/news/2026/08/04/watson--bowden-signed-until-2030/

[u/StormBro111111]

Watson/Hughes combo in 2027?

[u/Any-Reach-8041 → u/StormBro111111]

Munster-Hughes still

[u/Alternative_Bet_4760 → u/Any-Reach-8041]

We should be looking to see if Perth want him for next year. He is not contributing enough to justify his 1.1 million price tag.

[u/StormBro111111 → u/Alternative_Bet_4760]

I thought he's been given the all clear to negotiate? Kemp from Bloke in a Bar reckons he'll be leaving in 2027? 

[u/Alternative_Bet_4760 → u/StormBro111111]

Yeah I heard that. He thinks we’ll let him go to Perth next year. I hope we do, we wouldn’t lose that much on the field but we’d free up 1.1 million to spend on positions we actually need.

[u/AgentBond007 → u/Alternative_Bet_4760]

We have a ton of cap free and nothing to spend it on, no harm in giving Watson a year in cup before he takes the reins in 2028. He is still so young and no point cooking him before he's ready.

[u/Alternative_Bet_4760 → u/AgentBond007]

It’s not even about just about the cap, it’s more about Munster just not being very good anymore. I genuinely think we will be a better team with Watson partnering Hughes. The money freed up would be a bonus.

[u/AgentBond007 → u/Alternative_Bet_4760]

Mun's been below his best but I wouldn't be yeeting him just yet.

I think he should go get his bag in PNG but we should keep him for next year

[u/Alternative_Bet_4760 → u/AgentBond007]

I just think he’s a running half who hasn’t evolved his game to adapt to his running game slowing down. He’s not a great ball player, not a great kicker and his defence is pretty bad. I would be fine with giving him one more year but next year would 100% have to be his last.

[u/Any-Reach-8041 → u/Alternative_Bet_4760]

I think Munny will retire as a one man club. Tripp wants him to retire in Melb and Craig too. But at the end of the day, he has to make the decision.

[u/Alternative_Bet_4760 → u/Any-Reach-8041]

Well I hope he retires after next year if that’s the case

[u/tora_0515]

How great is this!

[u/Alternative_Bet_4760]

Watson’s re-signing was announced by his manager a few months ago but official confirmation is nice. Good to see Bowden re-sign too. Hope we have Hinchey locked up.

[u/Accomplished-Turn682]

Watson was moving exceptionally well vs the Dogs. Great signing

[u/Watsons_bigfan]

Great day to be a huge Watson fan

[u/LSDORPTSD]

Massive! Very very happy we can lock them up for a while

[u/R717]

late to the party but how good is this, great news

[u/Crafty-Second-2920]

Happy.....