There are many pressures facing CEOs of high profile sporting clubs. One of the biggest is retaining star talent.

Champion athletes not only influence on-field fortunes, they also have a tangible impact on a club’s brand, sponsorship, membership and other commercial outcomes. 

This has been front of mind for Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski, who was facing an uphill battle trying to convince NRL super star Cameron Munster to stay on, instead of moving home to Queensland to join new franchise, the Dolphins, on a bumper $5.6 million deal. 

Against all odds, Munster chose to stay at Melbourne. Justin talks to The Big Deal about how he pitched the Storm value proposition, the negotiation process and what the decision means to his club. 

Listen to the interview now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts and follow the show.

Justin joined the Storm in 2021 after spending ten years with Essendon, where he was Chief Commercial and Customer Officer and previously Chief Marketing Officer.

With a background in media and sports journalism, including as footy reporter for both the AFL and Channel 9, Justin is an experienced sport executive with a unique set of skills and experiences to his name. 

On top of the Munster deal, Justin talks about his pathway through the sports industry, his interest in an NRL draft, the testing role of sports media, the challenges facing sports CEOs in the wake of Essendon’s leadership turmoil, as well as his own leadership aspirations.

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Our premium subscribers got an exclusive, extended version of this interview earlier today.

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