Munster in running for call-up

STORM sensation Cameron Munster is in the mix for a shock State of Origin initiation as the lure of fielding Melbourne’s superstar spine proves hard to resist for Queensland.

Munster has 80 minutes to prove he is worthy of a spot in Kevin Walters’ team for the May 31 series opener at Suncorp Stadium if Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) is ruled out.

Cowboys pivot Michael Morgan is the frontrunner to partner Cooper Cronk in the halves if Thurston misses his first Origin since making his debut in 2005.

That would open up a spot on the Maroons’ bench and the versatile Munster is putting the heat on favourite Daly Cherry-Evans for a call-up.

Speaking on Fox Sports’ NRL 360, Walters went out of his way to praise Munster when asked who was in the mix to replace Thurston.

“Cameron Munster is one that’s a quality player,” he said.

“He’s been in our system for a few years and played under-20s for us.

“He has played with Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith on a weekly basis for the last couple of years. He’s a different style of player to the others.

“Morgan and DCE (CherryEvans) have already played for Queensland which is a bit of a leg-up. We’ve got some good options there.”

Where Munster has an advantage on Cherry-Evans is his versatility. He has starred in every position he has played for Melbourne during a 51game NRL career which has seen coach Craig Bellamy use him at centre, fullback and now five-eighth.

Cherry-Evans is an outand-out halfback while Morgan has played fullback, centre, lock and in the halves.