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. 

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.

About The Big Deal

The Big Deal reveals the dollars, details and drama behind the business of sport, in Australia and around the world. 

Subscribe to the weekly podcast on your favourite podcast player, and join our community and get a weekly wrap of sports deals, breaking sports business news and much more at: www.thebigdeal.au

The team

Warren Tredrea is an AFL hall of famer, premiership captain, 4 x All-Australian and media commentator. Show creator Andrew Montesi is an injury prone marketer and former TV sports reporter, while producer Dion Hayman is a sun sensitive sports media veteran of 30+ years.

The Big Deal podcast is brought to you by Apiro Marketing and Apiro Media, and part of the DM Media network.

For business enquiries contact Antony: antony@dm.org.au