Munster ready to 'run through a brick wall' for Maroons in Origin decider

Cameron Munster is driven to honor Queensland's State of Origin legends by leading the Maroons to victory in the series decider against NSW in Brisbane. He feels a deep sense of gratitude towards past Maroons greats like Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, and Billy Slater, who he believes instilled the confidence and belief in the current team.

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We've had some really good players come through and really bleed for the jersey. Smithy, Coops [Cronk], Billy and JT [Thurston]. They've been great for the game, pouring their blood out for the Maroon jersey.

Munster recalled how players like Thurston looked after him when he debuted, and how the legends' presence and guidance made him feel capable of achieving anything. "They instilled the belief and confidence in us that we can go out there and be like them," Munster said. "When you have guys like that and Bill in the coaching staff telling you how good you can be and how good we are if we get it all right, it just makes you want to run through a brick wall."

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They instilled the belief and confidence in us that we can go out there and be like them.

Despite winning four of the five Origin series he has contested since 2020, Munster has not yet captained the Maroons to a series decider victory in Brisbane. He missed the 2024 series due to injury, which the Blues won. The upcoming match presents a significant personal milestone for the 31-year-old.

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I was definitely very lucky that when I got my chance on debut in Brisbane [in 2017], I had JT looking after me in camp. They put that belief in you.

"I don't think you can get a better thrill," Munster stated. "It will probably top everything, to be fair. To have the 'C' next to my name for the first time at home, especially in a decider … it's something you dream about as a kid." He acknowledged that past success does not guarantee a win, emphasizing the need for the team to perform at their best.

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When you have guys like that and Bill in the coaching staff telling you how good you can be and how good we are if we get it all right, it just makes you want to run through a brick wall.