Cameron Munster of the Storm
Cameron Munster‘s absence from the entire State of Origin series has been confirmed following scans that revealed a tear in the Queensland five-eighth’s adductor tendon.
Munster has been dealing with groin pain since initially injuring himself slipping in the shower during Melbourne’s pre-season trip to Fiji, causing him to miss the first month of the NRL season.
After aggravating the issue in a tackle just before half-time in the Storm’s 48-16 defeat of Parramatta at Magic Round on Sunday, Munster, visibly emotional, was later seen on the bench.
Although surgery was considered, the Storm have decided against it, opting instead for a recovery period of eight to ten weeks after the scan results returned on Monday afternoon.
Frank Ponissi, Storm football boss, commented, “While it is obviously disappointing for both Cameron and the club to be missing football at this stage of the season, we are confident this approach will give him the best chance of recovery in the long term.”
Munster’s absence is a significant setback for the Maroons’ hopes of retaining the Origin shield for a third consecutive year, as he has become a key player for them in recent years with his high-energy approach to the game.
Munster’s standout performance in 2020, where he clinched the Wally Lewis Medal, holds a special place in Queensland’s Origin history, especially considering the team was considered by some pundits as Queensland’s “worst-ever”.
Maroons winger Xavier Coates expressed disappointment at Munster’s injury, highlighting his invaluable contributions whenever he has represented Queensland.
In Munster’s absence, Tom Dearden appears to be the likely choice to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves from June 5 at Accor Stadium, although Brisbane five-eighth Ezra Mam presents a strong challenge.
Coates praised both Mam and Dearden, acknowledging their exceptional talent and stating that they are both contenders for the position.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, a four-time Maroons centre, expressed confidence in either Mam or Dearden to perform well on the big stage, trusting Queensland coach Billy Slater to make the right selection.
Munster’s injury also poses a challenge for the Storm, as they may be without both of their first-choice playmakers for their upcoming clash against rivals Manly, with Jahrome Hughes likely to be rested due to a calf issue. However, there is hope for Munster and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen to return from injury after the Storm’s bye in round 14.
