Munster primed for shot as pivot

QUEENSLAND rookie Jarrod Wallace has backed another youngster in Cameron Munster to fill the massive hole at five-eighth following Johnathan Thurston’s longterm injury.

Maroons coach Kevin Walters is looking for a new playmaker for the July 12 decider, with Game One back-up Anthony Milford also sidelined for another month with a shoulder problem.

The dilemma leaves Munster as the frontrunner to wear the No.6 ahead of other potential candidates Corey Norman, Moses Mbye and Ben Hunt.

Should he get the call-up, Munster will be the fifth player out of the notorious eight who were banned from Origin last year due to a boozy night in a Queensland emerging camp, to debut.

However, Wallace believes Munster, who is part of the Melbourne spine that includes the Maroons’ Big Three in Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith, can step into the void.

“I was with him in two camps – 2015 and 2016 – and he’s really composed,” Wallace said.

“Obviously, he’s been playing some really good footy at Melbourne and being around Cronk, Smith for so many years helps him.

“If he does get up, I’m sure he’ll be ready for it.”

Wallace was one of many Queenslanders on Friday who was shattered to learn of Thurston’s injury, which has denied him a farewell in front of what is expected to be a Suncorp sellout.

He said he treasured his one game played with the champion No.6, and predicted Thurston would still have a major influence on the team’s preparation for the decider.

“It’s something I’ll always cherish and always remember. He’s such a great bloke off the field and even better on the field, he’s such a great leader,” Wallace said.

“He’ll probably still be in there for the camp and if Munster gets picked, he’ll help steer him around.”

Wallace said it was the best week of his life after he also backed up to help Gold Coast snap a four-game losing streak with a win over Wests Tigers.