The Queensland captain left State of Origin camp to be with his family after the devastating news.
Cameron Munster is confirmed to be leading Queensland out for the State of Origin decider against NSW on Wednesday, and Matty Johns feels it could lift his teammates in the must-win clash. The rugby league world was left devastated after learning Munster’s father, Steve, died on the weekend.
The awful development came before the Origin decider in Sydney on Wednesday night, which prompted Munster to leave camp and visit his family. While there were no expectations on Munster to return for the game, Queensland coach Billy Slater confirmed the newly appointed captain would be back for the decider.
He didn’t have a lot of answers for a lot of other things, but he gave that one to me pretty straight,” Slater said. “It’s a huge game and he wants to be a part of that.”
Munster took over the captaincy after Queensland’s loss in Game 1 and put in a player-of-the-match performance in Perth to inspire his team to victory. And his presence in the team is monumental for Slater’s men heading into the showdown.
And former NSW five-eighth Johns feels it could rally the team. While admitting he didn’t want to put too much emphasis on the horrible situation ahead of the game, Johns feels the players respect and admitted Munster so much that they will want to rally for their new leader.
“I’ll just preface this with I don’t like to bring in certain things like the passing of Cameron’s dad, Steve, on it. But I just know the way this Queensland side will rally around Cameron,” Johns said on SEN Radio on Tuesday. “And Cameron’s ability to compartmentalise and be mentally tough. And he will be out there to play the game of his life for his dad. And from a NSW perspective that worries me.”
Munster was seen returning to Queensland camp for the captain’s run on Tuesday and in a touching moment was joined by his mother and sister on the sideline. Munster put on a brave face as he led his side out in front of the media.
Slater echoed Johns’ thoughts and said watching Munster lead out the Maroons on Wednesday will be a huge boost for the side. “Their skipper is going to need them on Wednesday night,” Slater said. “I’m sure it’ll give them a huge boost, to see their mate going through something that you only go through once in your life, losing your father. I’m sure it’s going to have a huge impact on them.”
Last year, Munster missed the State of Origin series and NSW took home the win. However, thanks to an inspired performance in Perth, Queensland have a chance of winning back the shield.
