In a thrilling State of Origin game, Queensland captain Cameron Munster led his team to a nail-biting 26-24 victory, keeping their series hopes alive. This was Munster’s first match as skipper, stepping in after a controversial decision by coach Billy Slater to bench Daly Cherry-Evans. Munster’s performance earned him the Man of the Match title and showcased his capability under pressure.
His emotions ran high during the post-game interview with Nine’s Sam Thaiday, where he expressed gratitude for Slater, who had faced significant criticism ahead of the match. Munster stated, “We needed to turn up for our coach tonight, and we f—–g did,” highlighting the dedication of the team toward their coach amid intense scrutiny.
The lead-up to the match was marked by a public spat between Slater and player Aaron Woods, which included Slater apologising to the family of the late Paul Green for comments made during a press conference. Munster, reflecting on the team’s need to unify and support their coach, passionately declared that criticisms aimed at Slater had personal significance for him, reinforcing their bond as teammates and friends.
Post-match, Slater expressed surprise at Munster’s heartfelt comments, underscoring the mutual respect and camaraderie between them. The tension from the preceding media events faded as all eyes shifted to Munster, who had a standout performance, scoring a try and making significant contributions in both defence and attack with 131 run metres and 21 tackles.
Former Maroons greats praised Munster’s leadership during the match. Darren Lockyer noted that stepping into a leadership role brought out the best in him, making the team’s play unpredictable. Cameron Smith commented on Munster’s impressive control and engagement throughout the game, indicating that his leadership position unlocked a new level of performance.
With the series now tied, Queensland will head to Sydney’s Accor Stadium on July 9 for the decisive third game, aiming to reclaim the Origin shield. Munster’s ability to inspire his teammates and handle pressure will be pivotal in their quest for success.