Origin team rocked by tragic death

Queensland captain Cameron Munster has left Origin camp after the death of his father Steven, but plans to return and lead the Maroons in Wednesday’s decider.

Munster learned of his father’s death overnight in Queensland camp on the Sunshine Coast, with coach Billy Slater confirming the news in a statement on The Sunday Footy Show.

“Unfortunately we woke to the sad news of the passing of Cameron Munster’s father Steven Munster overnight,” Slater said on Sunday morning.

“Cam will exit camp to be with his family before rejoining his team for the game on Wednesday.

“On behalf of myself and our footy team and the state of Queensland, we send our thoughts, our love and condolences to Steven Munster’s family and friends, in particular his wife Debbie, his daughter Danielle and of course his son Cameron.”

Munster was given the option to stand down from Origin III at Accor Stadium by Queensland officials, but has told officials he wants to play in honour of his late father.

The Storm five-eighth produced a man-of-the-match performance and led a stirring Queensland upset in Perth after being handed the state captaincy. Longtime teammate and Cameron Smith backed Munster to return for the decider, while Broncos star Reece Walsh remains in camp as 18th man.

Cameron Munster is set to play the Origin decider.Credit: Getty Images

“Knowing Cameron quite personally… I think he’ll want to go out there and play for his father,” Smith said.

“Come Wednesday his headspace will be where it needs to be.”

NRL is Live and Free on Channel 9 & 9Now

Michael Chammas and Andrew “Joey” Johns dissect the upcoming NRL round, plus the latest footy news, results and analysis. Sign up for the Sin Bin newsletter.

Most Viewed in Sport

Loading