Storm’s Slater dilemma
CAMERON Munster is on the cusp of being a premiership-winning fullback, but the Storm star says he will gladly hand back the No.1 jersey to Billy Slater next year.
Melbourne faces a dilemma with Slater, 33, set to return from shoulder surgery in what is expected to be a farewell season. Slater has recovered so well that his surgeon was close to giving him the green light for this year’s finals series.
The flip side is Munster is a star and his form is a big reason the Storm have surged to their first grand final in four years.
The young Queenslander said he would be happy to accommodate his Storm mentor next season.
“I just love football,” said Munster, who is contracted to Storm until the end of 2019. “No.1 has always been Billy’s position, so I’m more than happy to play centre, on the wing, five-eighth, off the bench or wherever Craig (Bellamy) wants to put me.”
With Blake Green headed for Manly, a move to fiveeighth has been touted for Munster next season.
“There’s a bit of hype about me playing No.6, but I’m not really thinking about next year too much,” Munster said. “I’m more dwelling about this Sunday because we have a big task ahead of us with a trophy on offer.”
Munster said playing alongside star halfback Cooper Cronk would him help transition to the halves if required.
While a move may happen, Munster is well and truly living in the now as he prepares for his first grand final. The 22-year-old said he had embraced the week while keeping his emotions in check.
“We know exactly what we’re going to get from them (Cronulla),” Munster said.
“There will be a lot of energy, a lot of line speed and a lot of aggression.
“We know we’ll have to try and weather the storm, but at the end of the day we just need to concentrate on playing well and go from there.”