Halfback suits Munster to a JT
QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters will today toss up whether debutant Cameron Munster (left) will form an all-Melbourne spine in the State of Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium next week.
Maroons selectors gave nothing away at the team announcement in Brisbane yesterday, once again naming their 17 alphabetically.
While Michael Morgan has proven himself at Origin level, Maroons skipper Cameron Smith could yet sway Walters to give his Storm teammate the nod for the July 12 encounter.
MAROONS legend Wally Lewis has predicted Queensland could adopt a radical plan to rotate Cameron Munster and Michael Morgan at fiveeighth to shock the Blues.
Morgan is favoured to replace Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) in next Wednesday’s blockbuster decider at Suncorp Stadium with coach Kevin Walters to consult captain Cameron Smith today before making his final decision.
News Corp understands Queensland hierarchy believes Morgan has earned the right to partner Cooper Cronk, but Walters is seeking guidance on whether the electric Munster would be up for the challenge.
Having served a seven-game Origin apprenticeship from the bench, Test utility Morgan is prepared for the pressure-cooker of a series decider.
Munster, 22, has played just 57 NRL games and will make his Origin debut, however, he would form an all-Melbourne playmaking spine alongside Smith, Cronk and Billy Slater.
Whoever is not selected at five-eighth will play left centre in place of Darius Boyd (broken thumb).
Lewis, a 31-game Origin representative, said the Maroons could stun NSW and take the heat off Morgan and Munster by rotating the duo.
“It could go either way,” he said. “You might even see both of them playing there. I wouldn’t be surprised. It would create a little bit of drama for the opposition defence.
“They would be changing what they had in mind for how they were going to defend.
“If you create any doubt in the mind of the defender then you are halfway there.”
Whichever way Walters sways, he will be taking a gamble with his selection at centre.
Munster has played just one NRL game at centre and none of Morgan’s 117 NRL appearances have come in the defensively challenging position, although he produced a match-winning play for Queensland in Game Two at right centre.
Walters yesterday named a 17-man squad in alphabetical order and bristled at suggestions it was a concern he did not know who would be replacing the injured Thurston.
“It might be a concern for you guys but we know what we’re doing,” he said.
“We’re firmly entrenched on where we’re at with things. We’ve got some good options there and that’s for us to understand and get our heads around.
“They have both displayed in club land, and at a higher level, the ability they have to perform when it’s a big occasion.
“I like to get into camp and have a bit of a chat. We’ve got some plans.
“It’s probably better that we talk to our players first and see where we go to from there.”
Munster and Broncos halfback Ben Hunt will take Queensland’s tally of Origin debutants to eight this series.
Despite his lack of experience, Walters said Rockhampton product Munster would thrive in the Origin arena.
“He’s a natural footballer,” he said.
“He reminds me of a young kid just coming into grade and they just play.
“He’s been in a good system at the Storm where they’re also getting some really good coaching around some of the greats of the game.
“He’s picked up a lot of their knowledge, skills and habits as well.
“Queensland is now going to bear that fruit.”
YOU MIGHT EVEN SEE BOTH OF THEM PLAYING THERE. I WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED. IT WOULD CREATE A LITTLE BIT OF DRAMA. ORIGIN GREAT WALLY LEWIS