Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Munster delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances in State of Origin history last night, leading his side to a series victory just days after the passing of his father.
After going down one game to nil to the New South Wales Blues in Game One in Brisbane, the odds were firmly stacked against the Maroons. The Blues featured a powerful halves pairing in four-time NRL premiership-winning halfback Nathan Cleary and 2024 Origin-winning halfback Mitchell Moses, widely regarded as two of the best in the game today.
In a bold move, Queensland coach Billy Slater made a significant leadership change following the Game One defeat, replacing veteran captain Daly Cherry-Evans with Munster. The decision was based on Munster’s proven Origin pedigree, including being named Player of the Series in 2020 and Man of the Match in Game One of 2022, along with his strong working relationship with Slater through 16 Origin appearances.
Heading into Game Two in Perth, Queensland unveiled a new halves combination, with Munster partnering rising star Tom Dearden. Although Mitchell Moses was sidelined with a knee injury, New South Wales still fielded a strong spine including Jarome Luai and the returning Cleary.
Queensland responded with grit. While they scored one try fewer than New South Wales, Valentine Holmes’ accurate goal-kicking proved decisive, securing a narrow two-point victory to keep the series alive.
Before the decider, Queensland suffered another setback. Fullback Kalyn Ponga was ruled out with injury, prompting Slater to shift Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, also known as The Hammer, to fullback and hand a debut to Brisbane Broncos centre Gehamat Shibasaki. Veteran forward Josh Papali’i also returned to the side, riding strong form as the Canberra Raiders sat at the top of the NRL ladder.
Tragically, just days before Game Three, Munster’s father passed away. The news shocked the NRL community. Slater initially released Munster from the squad, but on Sunday morning, Munster sat with his coach and told him quietly, “I’m playing.”
At the post-match press conference, an emotional Slater, who also lost his father in January, reflected on that moment.
“I knew his father would have wanted him to play, so I had to let him,” Slater said.
“Over my four years as coach, this is my proudest moment. The bloke on my left is the most courageous and bravest man to captain this special squad. I do not know how he did it.”
The Maroons turned the game into a tribute. Their first half was clinical. Queensland completed sets with precision, made fewer errors, and built a twenty-point lead by halftime. It was a stunning and dominant performance.
In the second half, the Maroons sustained pressure, particularly on the left edge that had been exposed in Game Two. Valentine Holmes and Murray Taulagi kept Latrell Mitchell and Brian To’o in check. Tom Dearden even saved a certain try from To’o, adding to his standout night.
The Blues crossed for a late try, but it was not enough. Dearden went over for his second try, sealing the Maroons’ emotional series win.
As the full-time siren sounded, Munster and Slater embraced in a tearful captain and coach moment, embodying the spirit and resilience of their side.
At the press conference, Munster held back tears as he thanked the wider rugby league community.
“I am thankful to the NRL community for your support, to Billy and the Queensland coaching staff, and to my brothers who stood with me.”
He concluded by dedicating the victory to teammate Josh Papali’i.
“This one is also for Papa. It is his last year in the comp. We got this one for him too.”
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