Munster matched at No.6
THE entire Storm “spine’’ is set to take charge of Queensland’s State of Origin team, with Cameron Munster to be blooded at five-eighth in next week’s series decider.
The quality of Munster’s defence and his club association with hooker Cameron Smith, halfback Cooper Cronk and fullback Billy Slater are two factors leading selectors to choosing the 22year-old to fill Johnathan Thurston’s boots.
Michael Morgan’s first start for the Maroons is now likely to come at left centre on the other side of the field from where he normally plays for the Cowboys.
Morgan scored two tries and produced three assists from halfback to dominate North Queensland’s 31-18 win in Canberra on Saturday.
The previous night, Munster’s strong hand for Melbourne included one assist and one line break assist in a 42-12 win over the Broncos.
Maroons coach Kevin Walters said in a radio interview yesterday that Munster would be in the Maroons squad to be announced this afternoon without being drawn on his position.
Daly Cherry-Evans, man of the match for Manly in a round of mostly rousing selection trials by Maroons, or Bronco Ben Hunt will take the bench place held by Morgan in the first two matches of the series against NSW.
Morgan’s versatility and game intelligence make him the best option at left centre once Rockhampton product Munster is identified as the best choice at five-eighth.