Cameron Munster Shines in Storm’s Victory
Cameron Munster delivered a powerful response to questions about his place in the Maroons’ Origin squad with a standout performance in Melbourne’s 44-18 victory over the Wests Tigers on Sunday. The win ended the Storm’s seven-game losing streak and came at a significant cost when Sua Fa’alogo was feared to have suffered a fractured cheekbone. However, scans on Monday confirmed that Fa’alogo did not have a serious injury and he is expected to be available for the Storm’s Magic Round clash against Parramatta next weekend.
For Munster, this performance marked a timely return to form after a challenging start to the season that had sparked doubts about his inclusion in Billy Slater’s Queensland Origin squad. Recently, Munster admitted he was struggling with both form and confidence, even questioning his future in the sport. However, he made a strong comeback against the weakened Tigers, showcasing his abilities once again.
Benji Marshall’s team was already missing several key players, including Api Koroisau (suspension), Jahream Bula (shoulder), and Adam Doueihi (shoulder). Additionally, prop Terrell was a last-minute withdrawal before the game as he flew back to Sydney to be with his partner for the birth of their first child.
Munster took full advantage of the undermanned opposition to remind critics of his Origin pedigree. As the Queensland captain, he scored two tries, recorded 100 run metres, made a line break, and had a tackle bust for the Storm. This performance left Matty Johns in no doubt that Munster would be part of the Maroons squad when the teams for Game 1 are announced after the Magic Round next weekend.
“There has been a bit of talk about whether Munster will be picked for Origin,” Johns said on ‘Sunday Night with Matty Johns’ after the game. “It’d just be diabolical (if they don’t pick him),” the former NSW star added, highlighting Munster’s impact on the field.
Munster’s return to form coincided with a strong performance from teammate and Maroons hooker Harry Grant, who delivered his best game in weeks. Despite this, Munster has not spoken to Slater about Origin selection for the Maroons. “No, I don’t really talk to Bill about selection – I’ve got to worry about my own backyard and it’ll take care of itself,” Munster said.
However, his performance takes on even more significance after Queensland halfback Tom Dearden’s injury for the Cowboys on Friday night, which has effectively ruled him out of the Origin series. “I know it’s not ideal with Tommy (Dearden) at the moment, so I’m pretty disappointed for him as he’s been playing some good footy and it’s going to be a big loss,” Munster said.
“But whoever’s in the spine … I’m sure they’ll get the job done. There’s some great guys that can play that position, DCE (Daly Chery-Evans), (Jake) Clifford, Sammy Walker, Jamal Fogarty so I’m sure Bill’s not short of suitors.”
Sua Fa’alogo Cleared of Serious Injury
The immediate concern for Munster and the Storm was around Sua Fa’alogo, who was expected to miss Saturday’s Magic Round clash against the Eels after a head knock in the first half ended his game against the Tigers. There were initial fears that the Storm fullback had suffered a cheekbone fracture after colliding heads with teammate Jahrome Hughes. However, scans confirmed that Fa’alogo did not have a serious injury, and the Storm revealed on Monday that he would be available for the Magic Round game against the Eels.
This news is a significant boost for the Storm, especially after Brien Seeney of the NRL Physio account suggested that Fa’alogo could face three to six weeks on the sidelines if there was a fracture. Fa’alogo is the Storm’s leading try-scorer with 12 in 10 games this season, and his absence would have been a major blow to Craig Bellamy’s side.
