Munster on light duties in Maroons camp ahead of Origin I

May 24, 2023 4:35 pm.by Wayne Heming

Cam Munster — Queensland star Cameron Munster has been playing through pain for several weeks and will be taking it easy in the lead-up to next Wednesday’s State of Origin opener in Adelaide.

Melbourne Storm hooker Harry Grant has taken a light-hearted shot at his Queensland teammate Cameron Munster, suggesting he is dodging State of Origin training because of a “broken fingernail”.

Munster will spend more time watching training this week than being part of it, in a bid to be in the best shape possible for next Wednesday’s first Origin clash at Adelaide Oval.

More than likely, he will require a few needles to get him on the battlefield.

While Grant made light of Munster’s injuries, the truth is he has been playing NRL games for weeks with a painful fractured rib as well as rib cartilage and shoulder damage suffered in round seven again Manly.

Only a few people were aware of the full extent of Munster’s injuries until he let the cat out of the bag himself just recently.

“He’s just signed a new contract (with Melbourne) and he has checked out, trying to get out of training whenever he can,” joked Grant.

“I don’t think he is carrying too many injuries — he has obviously got a fingernail that’s broken.

“I’m not going to give him any medal.”

READ: Flegler ready for Pangai Junior challenge

While Grant attempted to make a joke of Munster’s injuries, the star five-eighth’s toughness can’t be questioned.

Earlier this year, Munster played the second half against Parramatta with a compound fracture to a finger on his right hand, refusing the leave the field.

A loose-lipped Munster has given the Blues a blueprint on his injuries, even revealing the target zone, helping the enemy to inflict even more pain in his 16th Origin appearance next week.

“They always target me,” he said.

“Wednesday night won’t be any different — they’ll be out to get me but my ribs are fine.”

Munster copped a blast from Melbourne’s coaching staff, who until now had done their very best to keep the details of his injuries private.

“It is what it is, I probably put my foot in it, I’ve done that most of my life,” said Munster, who was man-of-the-match in game one last year.

“I got a rocket from the coaching staff (at Melbourne) for giving the details away, so I’ll make sure I keep my mouth shut from now on.”

Munster was ruled out of last year’s third game with COVID and wants to get back to his best form for Queensland in Adelaide.

“I just want to go out and play the footy I know I can play on Wednesday night,” he said.

He was excited about the prospect of linking up with rookie fullback Reece Walsh, who has been in electrifying form for the fourth-placed Brisbane Broncos this season.

“I’ll be giving Reece the ball whenever I can, but I won’t be backing up — he’s way too fast for me,” he said.

“He is a great kid and he will do Queensland proud, I am sure.

“He’s got the speed, he’s got the skills and he has the X-factor.

“I’m sure he will light up Adelaide Oval next Wednesday and I’ll be pretty excited to watch him.”

On a more serious note, Grant said having Munster on the field gave everyone in the team confidence.

“He just has that X-factor that every team needs,” he said.

More State of Origin news