Could Cameron Munster be the man to replace Johnathan Thurston for Queensland

CAMERON Munster has emerged as a radical answer to Queensland’s five-eighth conundrum as Origin I looms.

CAMERON Munster could be the radical answer to Queensland’s five-eighth conundrum in a move that would see Melbourne’s all-star spine transplanted into Maroons colours.

Queensland coach Kevin Walters has confirmed Munster is in contention for a shock Origin initiation if Johnathan Thurston fails to prove his fitness for the May 31 series opener at Suncorp Stadium.

Four chief candidates for the Maroons No. 6 jersey have emerged since Thurston injured his shoulder in last week’s Anzac Test in Canberra.

Cowboys teammate Michael Morgan is at the top of the pecking order while Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans, Broncos pivot Anthony Milford and Eels sensation Corey Norman have also been discussed.

But Munster could be the ideal stopgap solution if Thurston is to only miss Game One of the series.

Munster has been switched to five-eighth this season.

The Rockhampton rocket has shifted to five-eighth for the Storm this season to accommodate Billy Slater’s return at fullback.

While a broken jaw has limited Munster to six games this year, he spent the entire pre-season training alongside Queensland halfback Cooper Cronk in a playmaking combination with Maroons veterans Cameron Smith and Slater.

“He’s playing with those boys every week,” Walters told The Courier-Mail.

“We saw last year his development as a player at fullback for the Storm.

“He’s moved into the halves this year and is going really well.

“He’s another good option for us if that’s the path we choose to go along.

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“The advantage is he is playing with Cameron, Cooper and Billy every week. That puts you in a pretty good position.”

Walters is looking for minimal disruptions to the team because he is desperate to win the first game of the series and does not want to be facing a must-win Game Two in Sydney.

Morgan has played five Origins in the past two years and is the chief candidate to replace Thurston because it would be a near seamless change to Queensland’s preparation.

But the 22-year-old Munster has given Walters something to think about and can press his claims in front of Maroons selectors in Saturday’s clash against the Titans in the Suncorp Stadium double-header.

“He had a great season last year and started again this year,” Walters said.

Could Queensland take advantage of another Storm combination?

“They are very well coached (in Melbourne). They have got good structures down there and prepare as well as any other team in the competition.

“They seem to handle the step up in company with Origin because of the structures they have in place in clubland.”

While Munster has caught the eye of Walters, he may be yet to convince Slater he is the man to replace Thurston.

Slater, a 27-Origin ace, did not tout him as a candidate when asked who should be in contention.

“Kevvy and the selectors have got some options there,” Slater said.

“We are very lucky some guys have come through in the last three-four years and are putting their hand up.

“You look at Anthony Milford, Daly Cherry-Evans and Corey Norman is another who’s playing really well.

“We’ve got Michael Morgan there who has been playing off the bench as well. He would slot nicely into a number six jersey and do a fantastic job.

“There are a number of options. I’m not too sure but they will make the right decision.”