Cameron Munster learns fate from NRL after Paul Alamoti backtracks on grand final 'bite' claim

Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has been cleared from by Match Review Committee of 'biting' Paul Alamoti after fervently denying the act in Penrith's 14-6 victory in the NRL grand final. The Storm's defeat to Penrith was marred in controversy following a divisive 'no try' call against Jack Howarth in the second-half and an allegation Munster bit down on Alamoti.

With the clock ticking down, Alamoti made a huge biting allegation against Munster after emerging from a tackle. Ashley Klein let play continue until there was a break. He then called the game came to a halt when Alamoti approached the referee and showed what he claimed were teeth marks on his forearm.

"It can't be certain, it's on report," Klein said during the clash. "They (the match review committee) will deal with it later ... I just saw saliva."

Munster was placed on report after footage showed his mouth leaning on Alamoti's arm during the tackle. The Storm playmaker was frustrated with the claim and was waiting for the MRC to decide whether it will be taken further. However, on Monday morning, it was ruled Munster did not bite Alamoti and he won't be charged.

And after the game, having just lost the tense battle with the Panthers, Munster was frustrated with the allegation and denied the claims. "I spoke to Ash about the allegation and he pretty much just told me that if someone alleges a certain thing, they have to put a report and it's up to the judiciary," Munster said. "But honestly there's nothing in it ... So I'm very confident I'll get off."

Speaking to Triple M after the game, Alamoti defended Munster's character, but claimed he felt something on his arm. "I just felt a bite towards the end," Alamoti said. "I know Munster isn't that type of player, but rules are rules." Alamoti later claimed he wanted to leave the incident on the field. This could have gone into the MRC's decision not to charge Munster.

"Whatever happens on the field, stays on the field, we'll leave it at that," Alamoti said. "I've just won a premiership so that is the last thing on my mind, I'm worried about partying."

Munster was wearing a mouthguard during the game and claimed whatever pressure Alamoti felt on his arm, it wasn't from a biting action. "He (Alamoti) said he felt pressure and I said I didn't bite him. That's footy … I've got nothing to worry about," Munster said. "I've done a lot of silly things in the game and put my hand up for it. But I can put my hand on my heart there's definitely nothing.

"I put my hand up with certain things that I definitely do in games and I'm a very honest person. I can definitely put my hand on my heart with everything I've spoken about and (say) there was no malice or even trying to bite. So I'm pretty disappointed, I'm trying to get that all of those grubby little incidents out of my game that I've obviously done in the previous years."

Craig Bellamy remains coy on Cameron Munster incident

This isn't the only biting allegation in 2024. Earlier this year, Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan was banned for five games after the same allegation from Stephen Crichton. Although Munster will not face a suspension after the incident was dismissed on Monday morning.

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Storm coach Craig Bellamy remained coy on the incident right after the game - having not spoken to Munster - when asked if he was surprised about the allegation. "I don’t know. If he thought he was bitten then I suppose he was going to say it," he said. "I don’t know. I seen a little a bit of it but I don’t know if he did or not and I haven’t spoken to Munster about it. I’m sure they’ll work that out.”