Smith says Munster perfect as Maroons playmaker
THE race to be Johnathan Thurston’s successor is over after Maroons skipper Cameron Smith anointed Storm teammate Cameron Munster as Queensland’s next fiveeighth.
Munster is now a certainty to retain the No. 6 jersey for the State of Origin series opener at the MCG on June 6 because Smith carries nearly as much weight at the Maroons selection table as coach Kevin Walters.
Smith, Origin’s most capped player ever with 42 games, pushed for Munster to edge out Cowboys five- eighth Michael Morgan as Thurston’s replacement for last year’s decider.
After bouncing back from an alcohol- marred World Cup campaign, Munster now has the opportunity to forge a 10year Origin career in the jersey made famous by Lewis, Lockyer, Walters and Thurston.
Smith was unequivocal when asked if Munster deserved to retain the No. 6 jersey following his outstanding Origin debut and hot form this season.
“Yep, most certainly,” he said. “He didn’t have a full preseason, but he certainly found a lot of form in the last few weeks.
“He was very good in the opening game at fullback but he has found good form for us in the five- eighth role.
“The inclusion of Ryley ( Jacks, halfback) has helped Cameron. It has made him settle at five- eighth.
“That plays into Munster, he is allowed to go out and play his natural game.”
Walters has a smorgasbord of playmakers to choose from following the representative retirements of halves Cooper Cronk and Thurston.
Munster and Morgan were the frontrunners in a field that included Daly Cherry- Evans, Ben Hunt, Anthony Milford, Ash Taylor and Corey Norman.