Munster matches the King, says coaching great

Melissa Woods |

Maroons skipper Cameron Munster has won high praise from both Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett.
Maroons skipper Cameron Munster has won high praise from both Craig Bellamy and Wayne Bennett.

After being hailed for delivering a “Wally Lewis-type performance” in State of Origin, Cameron Munster will fly to Sydney to back up for Melbourne three days later.

While most of the Storm’s Origin contingent headed straight from Perth to Sydney ahead of Saturday night’s match, Munster flew home to Melbourne.

But the five-eighth has been named to face South Sydney on Saturday night, with Xavier Coates the only Origin star confirmed to be rested.

In his first game as Queensland captain, the 30-year-old delivered a man-of-the-match performance as he guided the Maroons to a 26-24 victory to level the series.

He scored a try and recorded a team-high 112 metres, with four tackle busts in one of his best Origin showings.

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett compared Munster to Queensland great Wally Lewis, who dominated the interstate arena in his 31 appearances.

Bennett was Queensland coach for three years during the “King’s” reign. 

“It was a Wally Lewis-type performance,” said the veteran coach, who will meet Storm coach Craig Bellamy for a record 44th time.

“Wally won, I think, eight man-of-the-matches in State of Origin … I thought Cam was outstanding.”

Melbourne coach Bellamy has a role as a coaching adviser with the NSW side, and while disappointed with the result said he was “proud” of Munster.

“For him to captain his state was a really proud moment for him, his family and for the Storm and he led them with a lot of energy and really stuck to doing what he does well,” Bellamy said.

Munster
Munster ran for a team-high 112 metres, scored a try and made four tackle busts. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

“I’m really proud of him. I’m not real happy for him, but real proud of him, but hopefully the Blues can get them next time.”

Bellamy said his five-eighth’s return to Melbourne was for family reasons. 

The No.6 has carried a big workload this season, coming after double hip surgery in the off-season to relieve pressure on his groin.

“Munster’s come back obviously to see his kids, he missed them,” Bellamy said.

“He’s not trained today. I’m pretty sure he’ll play, so we’ll just see how they (Origin contingent) come up and go from there.” 

AAP