MUNSTER KICKING LEADERSHIP GOALS
MELBOURNE Storm playmaker Cameron Munster has dropped weight and some bad habits in a bid to elevate his leadership on and off the field.
Munster has also called on the game’s most professional player, former premiership teammate Cooper Cronk, who remains “just a phone call away” and has already been helping the Storm five-eighth hone his kicking game.
Despite having already played for Queensland and Australia, the 25-year-old Rockhampton product wasn’t part of the Storm leadership group until he was included as one of seven “emerging leaders” for this season.
It’s an elevation that has come after Munster – who starred in Storm’s 22-14 trial win over the Cowboys on Saturday – made a conscious decision to work on his off-field habits to ensure he could be the allround leader the club needs.
“I’m just more mature off field. I do the little things well, making sure my body is right for every game rather than just worry about the night out or having a good time with the boys,” Munster said. “I still think I have a lot of improvement in my game as a player and a person off field. It’s a bit of a work in progress but at the moment I like the way I am going.
“I’m feeling the leanest and fittest I have been for a while. I’m really excited about the season, hopefully my left edge can find some tries this year.”
Munster has also maintained a close relationship with former teammate Cronk, who played 323 games for the Storm before leaving in 2017 to win consecutive titles with the Roosters.
It’s been more practical football lessons but Munster has also seen first-hand the professional dedication that elevated Cronk among the game’s greats. While Cronk has an official role working with the Roosters, he has maintained an open line with Munster ever since he left Melbourne.
“Cooper’s been an integral part of this club for a long time and we’d be stupid not to pick his brain with what he brought into game as a half,” Munster said. “He’s only a phone call away.” –
RUSSELL GOULD