Queensland Maroons star Cameron Munster ruled out the 2024 State of Origin series

Queensland’s worst fears have been realised after scans confirmed Maroons superstar Cameron Munster will miss the entire State of Origin series. See how long Munster will be sidelined.

Cameron Munster. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

• State of Origin team selector

Queensland coach Billy Slater has put on a brave face after losing superstar Cameron Munster for the entire State of Origin series, insisting that history has shown the Maroons can overcome the absence of superstars to prevail on the game’s biggest stage.

Munster underwent scans on Monday afternoon on the groin problem he aggravated in the club’s shellacking of Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, which confirmed fears he would be sidelined for all three Origin games.

It is understood Munster will need surgery at some point to repair the damage, which is related to an issue with his hip, but that would sideline him for up to three months and potentially end his season.

As a result the Storm have elected to rest Munster for the next 8-10 weeks in the hope that he can return for the finals.

Melbourne head of football Frank Ponissi said scans had cleared Munster of the need for surgery.

Cameron Munster will undergo surgery. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“Cameron had scans earlier today which showed a tear in the adductor tendon,” Ponissi said.

“Our club doctor sought independent medical advice and we decided to take the conservative approach through treatment and rehabilitation without the need for surgery.

“While it is obviously disappointing for both Cameron and the club to be missing football at this stage of the season, we are confident this approach will give him the best chance of recovery in the long term.”

Slater, as a member of the Storm staff, has been kept abreast of Munster’s injury concerns as he prepares to name his side for Origin I in just over a week.

“When there is injury and disappointment, there is also opportunity,” Slater said.

Cameron Munster came off injured against the Eels in Magic Round. Picture: NRL Photos

“When Darren Lockyer wasn’t there, Queensland was okay. When Cameron Smith wasn’t there, Queensland was okay.

“When there is an opportunity, that creates excitement as well.”

With Munster sidelined, North Queensland’s Tom Dearden is expected to be the frontrunner to wear the No.6 jersey, although Brisbane’s Ezra Mam and Roosters halfback Sam Walker were also part of a 34-man squad that Slater brought together in the pre-season.

Dearden is the only one of the three to have Origin experience - he made his one and only appearance for the Maroons two years ago and starred in a Queensland win.

Tom Dearden is expected to be the frontrunner for the No.6 jersey. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Sam Walker has been in superb form for the Roosters. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

No doubt, that performance will be at the forefront of Slater’s mind if he is forced to consider a future without Munster. The Melbourne and Maroons No.6 has joined a growing injury toll on both sides of the border. Slater has already lost Kalyn Ponga, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Tom Gilbert while the Blues will be without Nathan Cleary, Cameron Murray and Tom Trbojevic.

Parramatta star Mitchell Moses may also be out of contention as he struggles to return from a foot injury.

“I have spoke to Kalyn Ponga, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Tom Gilbert - I have been in their situation,” Slater said.

“My feeling goes out to the player because I have been there. They spend so much time being the best they can be.

“It’s the same with anyone. When Tom Trbojevic went off the field, it wasn’t comforting for me. It’s not a good thing.

“I know the players and I know what they go through.”

Slater insisted recent years had shown the Maroons could handle anything that came their way.

“If you look at the last six Origin games, we had to have contingency plans in place,” Slater said.

“It’s one thing the team has shown over the last couple of years, if not the last 40 years. Queensland is okay.

“We had a 34-man squad at the start of the year and it’s not limited to that.”