Queensland’s State of Origin Preparations Continue
Cameron Munster, the inspirational captain of the Queensland Maroons, has taken a break from Sunday’s full training session. However, the team remains confident that he will be fit for the opening game of the State of Origin series.
Maroons prop Tino Fa’asuamaleaui explained that Munster’s absence was due to “soreness.” During the session at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam took on the role of five-eighth. Meanwhile, Munster participated in passing drills alongside Maroons legend Allan Langer while his teammates completed their usual training routines.
Another key player, centre Robert Toia, also missed part of the training. He was seen wearing a no-contact orange bib after suffering a category-two head injury assessment (HIA) during Magic Round for the Sydney Roosters. Despite this, Toia is not expected to miss the series opener.
Fa’asuamaleaui dismissed suggestions that the Maroons were engaging in mind games with New South Wales regarding the extent of Munster’s injury. “That’s them doing most of the talking,” he said. “I don’t look into it too much. I just worry about myself and getting my job done for Queensland.”
He added, “I think (Munster) is just getting a bit old. He just calls when he wants to train. He’s just had a bit of soreness and he’s getting looked after. He is getting a bit older, so you’ve got to look after your body.”
Lindsay Collins, another Maroons prop and a teammate of Toia, confirmed that the centre is following medical protocols and will be fit for the match. Toia made a strong return to the NRL last year after undergoing multiple knee reconstructions, and Collins praised his performance.
“His body is in tune and it is some of the best footy that he is displaying,” Collins said. “One aspect I love about Bobby is his defence. There are not many people that get around him. In this arena, defence wins games, so having a solid defensive centre is good for us.”
Munster led the Maroons effectively in last year’s series. Although he won’t be able to train again until Tuesday during the team’s captain’s run in Sydney, Collins believes that the talismanic player will lead with his usual determination on Wednesday night, regardless of any soreness.
“Some people can go into their shell and look sideways,” Collins said. “Munny just leads from the front and still plays his footy. It is easy to follow a man when he is playing footy like that.”
New Maroons halfback Sam Walker, who is also a teammate of Collins, participated in the training session. Despite being on debut, he has earned the full confidence of his teammates.
“He is a pretty cool, calm and collected sort of guy, so for someone so young he has got a good head on his shoulders,” Collins said. “I think that just comes with him knowing his game and how he wants to play. We have full faith in Sammy and how he will play with his style of football.”
