Queensland’s coaching staff wouldn’t have been happy when Cameron Munster told the world how hurt he was, but he has dared the Blues to go after him.
NRL: Broncos fullback Reece Walsh will make his State of Origin debut for the Maroons next week, being selected over Newcastle star Kalyn Ponga.
Storm coach Craig Bellamy held his tongue when asked if Munster was injured, only for the five-eighth to let slip last week that he was playing with a fractured rib, rib cartilage damage and a hyperextended elbow following the win over the Dolphins.
That’s music to the ears of some of the NSW hitmen who will no doubt target Munster if he runs at them.
Cameron Munster has been dealing with a number of niggling injuries this season, while he also missed time because of a gruesome finger fracture earlier in the year. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images
“They always target me, so it’s no different to anything. I’m a little halfback that gets flogged, so it’s going to be no different and they’ll be out to get me,” he said.
“Bring it on.
“I probably just need a little bit more cement because I’m carrying on a little bit. I’ll be fine.
“I probably put my foot in it, but that’s something I do a lot in my life. I probably got a bit of a rocket from the coaching staff about giving details away, so I’ll just make sure I keep my mouth shut now.”
Munster is back in the Origin team after missing last year’s decider, but Kalyn Ponga and Felise Kaufusi won’t be there next Wednesday. Picture: Mark Kolbe / Getty Images
Munster has been champing at the bit for another crack at the Blues after he missed last year’s series decider.
The 28-year-old was man of the match in game one but was ruled out of the third game due to Covid-19.
That meant his Maroons teammates had to step it up, with fullback Kalyn Ponga taking control of the contest in one of the great Origin performances, which saw him named man of the match.
But Ponga won’t be there next Wednesday after he was dropped by Queensland coach Billy Slater, with Broncos fullback Reece Walsh set to make his debut.
Munster joked he wouldn’t even bother trying to keep up with the speedster in Adelaide, and defended Slater for not picking Ponga over fears he might suffer another head knock in the toughest game on the calendar.
Reece Walsh has been tipped to dominate the Origin arena after he was picked ahead of Kalyn Ponga. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images
“Kalyn is a class player and everyone knows that. It’s just unfortunate that he’s had a fair few knocks this year,” he said.
“Some of them have probably been not that bad – I’m not saying they aren’t bad – but the normal way Kalyn was playing, those head knocks wouldn’t faze him.
“I’m sure Bill and the selectors would have loved to have picked KP, but Origin is a physical game and you never know when you can get a little clip on the chin or get a head knock or get your head in the wrong place.
“You could be out for the game, so I’m sure they thought about that.
“I’m not challenging KP whatsoever. He’s a class player and he’s shown in glimpses in games in Origin that he can produce on the biggest stage.
“I’m sure he’ll be back.”