Munster to press claims for Origin berth
MELBOURNE Storm playmaker Cameron Munster has 160 minutes to audition for his Queensland Origin debut.
With Johnathan Thurston out of the July 12 decider, Munster, 22, could push into the starting 17 after being the Maroons’ 18th man for Origin II.
The Rockhampton product will lead an inexperienced Storm backline tonight against the Roosters.
Origin quartet Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk (all sore) and Will Chambers (concussion) have withdrawn from the top-ofthe-table clash at the Adelaide Oval.
Only reliable Storm forward Tim Glasby has
been cleared to play tonight after making a Maroons debut off the bench.
But Munster (pictured) and second-rower Felise Kaufusi could use the next two NRL games against Sydney and Brisbane to boost Origin claims.
Munster has filled a variety of roles in the past 18 months for the Storm, including fullback, five-eighth and centre.
Kaufusi, 25, must also be considered for Queensland, well on the way to carving out a breakout NRL season, scoring in five of his past eight games.
The explosive secondrower, who had a taste of Maroons duty last year as 18th man, has taken everything in his stride.
“It’s always been a dream of mine growing up watching the State of Origin,” Kaufusi said.
“One day (I can) hopefully play for the Maroons but at the moment the best thing I can do is play good footy at the club.”
Injuries and Origin have wreaked havoc for Storm selectors, but Kaufusi praised younger teammates Brodie Croft, Brandon Smith and Curtis Scott for stepping up. Young Tonumaipea, Ryley Jacks, Mark Nicholls and Dean Britt also have plugged holes at the Storm this the season.
“It’s something we do well at the club: (getting players) ready for that opportunity if it comes up,” Kaufusi said.
“It’s pretty impressive in itself, the young guys showing that hunger and motivation to play some good footy when they’re given those opportunities.”