Cameron Munster Focuses on Storm’s Success Over State of Origin Selection
Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Munster has made it clear that his primary focus is on ensuring the team remains in the winners’ circle, with his selection for the Queensland State of Origin squad taking care of itself. The 31-year-old star has been a key figure for the Storm and has consistently delivered when it matters most.
Munster recently silenced critics who were questioning his position as the Queensland skipper by delivering a standout performance in a 44-16 victory over the Wests Tigers. He scored two tries and was named man of the match, helping the Storm end their seven-game losing streak. The win marked a return to form for the Storm, who looked like their old selves in the eight-try romp at AAMI Park.
Despite the team still sitting low on the NRL ladder, Munster remains optimistic about making the top eight. The Storm’s next challenge comes against Parramatta at Magic Round, and they are looking to build on their recent success. A boost to their chances came with Sua Faalogo being cleared of a facial fracture after he suffered an injury in the first half against the Tigers.
“It’s all good and well – it’s been one game and we’ve got what we wanted to get, but it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t back it up next week,” Munster said. “There’s a challenge ahead of us and there’s no better team, no better players around me to get it going and if we can make the eight, we can give it a shake.”
The Queensland Origin team will be announced on Monday following Magic Round, and Munster has not yet spoken to Maroons coach Billy Slater about his selection plans.
“No, I don’t really talk to Bill about selection – I’ve got to worry about my own backyard and it’ll take care of itself,” Munster said. “If I play back-to-back good games and with consistency, and then see how I put my front foot forward.”
Munster’s strong form is even more crucial given that his Queensland halves partner, Tom Dearden, has undergone surgery after suffering a syndesmosis injury. Dearden is set to miss the Maroons’ trophy defence, which has left a gap in the team.
“I know it’s not ideal with Tommy (Dearden) at the moment, so I’m pretty disappointed for him as he’s been playing some good footy and it’s going to be a big loss, but whoever’s in the spine … I’m sure they’ll get the job done. There’s some great guys that can play that position, DCE (Daly Chery-Evans), (Jake) Clifford, Sammy Walker, Jamal Fogarty so I’m sure Bill’s not short of suitors.”
Storm skipper and Queensland teammate Harry Grant praised Munster’s determination and highlighted the impact of his recent performances. Grant noted that Munster is his own harshest critic and enjoys seeing the No.6 reaping the rewards of his hard work.
“He really demands a lot from himself and I think sometimes he really tries to bring other people into the game, where sometimes Cam Munster is the strength of the team,” Grant said. “He’s the ultimate competitor and I think he’s (been) just that over the last little bit, and I think in the game we had some people inside and outside that got their roles done and that really helped him play his game and perform to the level that we know he can.”
Grant also acknowledged the tendency for people to jump to criticism of Munster. “People are pretty quick to jump to criticism. He knows how good he is and we’ve got to just keep reminding him of that.”
