Cameron Munster named to fill Kalyn Ponga void as Maroons No.1
New South Wales probably thought they had dodged a bullet when Kalyn Ponga was ruled out. But Kevin Walters reckons the Maroons’ new fullback could wreak even more havoc.
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New South Wales’ worst fears have been realised with Queensland coach Kevin Walters issuing an SOS for Cameron Munster to replace injured superstar Kalyn Ponga at fullback.
Seven years after arriving in Melbourne to be groomed to succeed Billy Slater, Munster will wear the famous No.1 jumper for Queensland in the Origin decider against NSW at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night.
Munster has already played six Origin games at five-eighth, many of which have been outstanding performances, but Walters believes his pivot can be even more lethal in the backfield.
After 48 hours of speculation, Walters finalised his starting side on Wednesday with debutant Corey Norman installed as his new five-eighth, paving the way for Munster to fill the Ponga void.
NSW assistant coach Danny Buderus admitted on Monday the prospect of Munster wearing the No.1 jumper represented their greatest threat and Maroons halfback Daly Cherry-Evans said the Storm ace is ready to terrorise the Blues.
“It’s disappointing to lose Kalyn, he showed how good he is in Game One, but now Cam Munster gets his chance at fullback,” Cherry-Evans said.
“It’s exciting to have him roaming the field from the back, he can do some damage.”
Munster’s body shape has changed significantly from his teenage years joining the Storm from Central Queensland.
He is almost 10kg heavier than the spindly teenager who famously scored an 80m intercept try playing fullback for Intrust Super Cup side the Capras, but Walters believes what he has lost in speed he makes up in playmaking smarts.
“Cameron has always enjoyed playing fullback and I can sense how eager he is to make a strong contribution,” Walters said.
“Now it’s about getting down to business and making sure our preparation is spot on.”
Munster recently told The Courier-Mail the fullback spot was his preferred position.
“I’ll be honest, I spoke to ‘Bellyache’ (Storm coach Craig Bellamy) in pre-season and I told him I wanted to play fullback this year but he had different ideas,” he said.
“I’ve always said I’m not a selfish player, so I’ll always play wherever it best suits the team, which includes Queensland.
“If the best thing for the team is me playing six or fullback, then I’m happy to look at the big picture.”
Maroons hooker Ben Hunt said Munster would relish more open space at the back.
“He’s a massive threat in the team, anywhere that he plays,” Hunt said.
“Playing fullback he’s going to have a lot more runs and have more ball in his hands.
“It’s good for us because he’s a strong ball carrier. He can really do some damage back there.”
In other key selection news, Broncos bookend Joe Ofahengaue will partner Josh Papalii in the engine room for Origin III following the axing of Dylan Napa.
It will be Ofahengaue’s starting debut in just his second game for Queensland after his baptism off the bench in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Morgan will remain at left centre, while Storm prop Christian Welch will debut off the bench with Souths back-rower Ethan Lowe installed as 18th man.
“We’ve had a really positive start to our camp since we’ve got back together here in Brisbane,” Walters said.
“We’re about to get into some of our bigger training sessions so it’s an exciting time for everyone, particularly the players who have been given a new opportunity at this level.”
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