In an unexpected twist, the Melbourne Storm found success with a reshaped team dynamic, largely due to Cameron Munster’s proactive request for a position change. Initially, coach Craig Bellamy had announced a familiar starting line-up that saw Nick Meaney at fullback while Munster partnered Tyran Wishart in the halves. However, come Friday night’s clash against the Panthers, Munster returned to fullback, an adjustment that shifted Meaney to centre, included Jonah Pezet at five-eighth, and pushed Joe Chan to the bench.
The rationale behind this change wasn’t clear at first, but it was disclosed by Billy Slater from Nine that Munster intentionally sought the starting fullback position in this crucial match. Following the game, Munster candidly expressed his desire to regain confidence on the field, stating that the switch helped liberate his gameplay. He noted the need to improve his performance and to feel more dynamic, allowing him to play more fluidly across the field rather than restricting himself to one side.
Munster also pointed out the club’s limitations in depth on the edges compared to the halves, which made it essential for him to revert to fullback without displacing too many players. He praised the contributions of his teammates and acknowledged that, while his performance was promising, there was still room for improvement.
During the match, he showcased his skills, finishing with 171 run metres in 81 minutes of play. The victory against Penrith did not come easily; it was sealed in the 81st minute by Harry Grant, with a final score of 22-18. Both Munster and Grant recognised the need for better execution, particularly in the first half where their play didn’t reflect their capabilities, especially against strong defensive sides like the Panthers. They acknowledge that working smarter is vital for future matches, emphasising their collective effort while agreeing that they can elevate their game considerably.