Storm’s Cameron Munster in line for Queensland State of Origin debut

STORM sensation Cameron Munster is in the mix for a shock Origin initiation as the lure of Melbourne’s superstar spine proves hard to resist for Queensland.

Munster has proven his versatility for Melbourne. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

STORM sensation Cameron Munster is well in the mix for a shock State of Origin initiation as the lure of fielding Melbourne’s superstar spine proves hard to resist for Queensland.

Munster has 80 minutes to prove he is worthy of a spot in Kevin Walters’ team for the May 31 series opener at Suncorp Stadium if Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) is ruled out.

Cowboys pivot Michael Morgan is the frontrunner to partner Cooper Cronk in the halves if Thurston misses his first Origin since making his debut in 2005.

That would open up a spot on the Maroons’ bench and the versatile Munster is putting the heat on favourite Daly Cherry-Evans for a call-up.

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Munster has proven his versatility for Melbourne. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Speaking on Fox Sports’ NRL 360, Walters went out of his way to praise Munster when asked who was in the mix to replace Thurston.

“Cameron Munster is one that’s a quality player,” he said. “He’s been in our system for a few years and played under-20s for us.

“He has played with Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith on a weekly basis for the last couple of years. He is a different style of player to the other guys.

“Morgan and DCE (Cherry-Evans) have already played for Queensland which is a bit of a leg-up. We’ve got some good options there.”

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Where Munster has an advantage on Cherry-Evans is his versatility. He has starred in every position he has played for Melbourne during a 51-game NRL career which has seen coach Craig Bellamy use him at centre, fullback and now five-eighth.

Cherry-Evans is an out-and-out halfback while Morgan has played fullback, centre, lock and in the halves.

Walters was in the stands at Suncorp Stadium last Saturday when Munster produced a slick performance in Melbourne’s shock loss to the Titans.

The 22-year-old showcased his ball-playing abilities in producing two linebreak assists and punished Gold Coast rival Ashley Taylor with some hard hits.

Having played fullback in Melbourne’s grand final team last year, Munster said he was enjoying his stint in the halves but was trying to avoid thinking about a possible Origin debut.

“It’s something different tackling a little bit more and getting my hands on the ball at first receiver,” he said.

“I need to talk more and have more aggression in defence. I need to work on my defence. At times I get a little fatigued. I need to start doing the little things well.

“There are so many good players playing around this comp. It’s probably easiest for Morgan to play at six. They can slot him in there and find someone else (for the bench).

“I’m not looking into it too much. I’m trying to play good football for the Storm and everything goes from there.”

Munster could still be brought down by DCE. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

With injuries to Matt Scott (knee), Greg Inglis (knee) and possibly Thurston, Walters is looking to usher in a new generation of Maroons talent. However, he is reluctant to blood a player that is not ready for the Origin cauldron which could send the utility jersey to six-Origin representative Cherry-Evans.

“We’re always looking to introduce new blood,” Walters said. “I saw the effect that had with the NSW side last year.

“You’ve got to make sure you pick the right player that’s going to have instant impact. If their first opportunity is not the greatest, it can scar them for a long time.”

Munster will get a final chance to stake his claim when the Storm face South Sydney in Perth on Sunday.