Munster cleared of serious injury

QUEENSLAND’S Origin hopes have received a huge boost with star pivot Cameron Munster cleared of seasonending shoulder surgery and on track to be fit for the Suncorp decider against NSW on July 13.

But the Blues have also had a win after Brisbane and NSW enforcer Payne Haas (ankle) told the Broncos he is ready to play through the pain barrier in Saturday night’s derby against the Cowboys in Townsville.

Munster (pictured) injured his shoulder after being crunched by NSW centre Stephen Crichton in Queensland’s 44-12 loss last Sunday night and left t Perth’s Optus Stadium with his left arm in a sling.

There were initial fears he could require surgery, which would have left his Origin III hopes and Storm club season in tatters, but it is understood scans have cleared him of any serious damage.

Munster is unlikely to play against Manly on Thursday night at Brookvale, but he will almost certainly be chosen by Queensland coach Billy Slater when he names his team on Sunday night for Origin III.

While the Maroons sweat on Munster and gun fullback Kalyn Ponga (head knock), the Blues will be hoping their No.1 prop, Haas, comes through the Queensland derby unscathed.

Already battling dual shoulder problems, Haas suffered fresh pain in Origin II when his left leg collided with the knee of Maroons hooker Ben Hunt.

Scans have cleared Haas of major damage. The 22-yearold has a minor high-ankle sprain and has been named in Brisbane’s starting front row for their derby showdown with the Cowboys at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.