MUNSTER PUTS HIS HAND UP FOR JT’S ROLE
CAMERON Munster secured his first Queensland Origin jersey but left Maroons selectors with a giant headache after Melbourne continued their eightyear dominance over Brisbane with a thumping 42- 12 victory.
Munster was sensational in front of 41,471 at Suncorp Stadium last night, orchestrating three tries for the Storm to cement their spot at the top of the NRL ladder with their seventh straight win against the Broncos in Brisbane.
While Brisbane could tumble out of the top four this week, Melbourne will provide six players in the Queensland team for Wednesday week’s State of Origin decider. Munster, 22, is a certainty to be in Kevin Walters’ team, but his performance last night has raised more questions for Maroons hierarchy.
The Maroons are on the hunt for a new five- eighth and centre following injuries to veterans Johnathan Thurston ( shoulder) and Boyd ( broken thumb).
The versatile Munster has been revelation in multiple positions during his 57- game NRL career but has formed a slick playmaking combination this season at five- eighth with Maroons trio Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater.
Walters, who was watching on, is leaning towards blooding Munster at left centre in place of Boyd and giving Thurston’s Cowboys teammate Michael Morgan his first start in the No. 6 jersey.
However, there is merit in transplanting Melbourne’s slick spine into Maroons jerseys, leaving Morgan on the bench and finding a new centre or winger.