Origin 2021: Cameron Munster issues early warning to NSW after MCG announced as first game host

If Cameron Munster’s presence in any team wasn’t ominous enough, then the superstar’s admission that ‘I can get a lot better’ should send shudders through all NRL and Origin rivals.

If NSW fans thought watching Cameron Munster break the Blues’ hearts last year was tough, the Maroons’ strike weapon has an ominous warning about what we can all expect to see from him this year.

“I can go a lot better,” Munster, 26, said in the wake of Sunday’s announcement that the opening State of Origin this year will be played at the MCG on Wednesday, June 9.

Munster was “over the moon” that the first Origin would be played at a ground where Queensland traditionally gets great support because of their Storm connection.

Watch Live & On-Demand coverage of NRL pre-season trial matches on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial now & start streaming instantly >

Maroons star Cameron Munster and Blues forward Dale Finucane could meet at the MCG.

And what is going to make it even tougher for the Blues this year is that the second Origin will be at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, June 27.

NSW will then host the third game at Stadium Australia on Wednesday, July 14.

Munster was the absolute standout in last year’s series after declaring it was time for him to go to the next level in big games.

It was the type of statement only the very best players ever dare say, but Munster more than backed it up.

But asked if he thought he had yet reached his potential as a player, Munster turned to the experience of playing alongside the likes of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk for more motivation.

“I guess every now and then I play really well in games and step up for the majority of big games,” he said.

“But I want to try and be consistent all year.

“I guess my football is up there with some of the best players in the world and I feel very confident when I do play my best footy.

Munster was the star of the show in last year’s Origin.

“But I find the great players, your Cam Smiths, your Cooper Cronks, your Billy Slaters … they were champion players because they were consistent and played their best games eight or nine times out of 10.

“I find every now and then I can get to an eight or nine or a 10 (rating) and, at times, I feel I am playing around a six.

“So, if I can get myself up to a seven or an eight each and every week, it is going to be good, not only for the Storm but for Queensland as well.”

NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said rugby league was committed to continuing to showcase the game in Melbourne.

“We’re excited to be taking Australia’s biggest sporting brand to Melbourne for the 10th time,” Abdo said.

“The last year has been incredibly challenging for Victorians with the extended lockdowns and challenges. We’re delighted to be bringing Ampol State of Origin back to the city. It will give fans an exceptional live sports experience, and bring interstate visitors back to the hotels and restaurants.”

Victoria’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, added: “Victoria is the home of the biggest sporting events and we’re thrilled to be welcoming State of Origin back to the MCG.”

Munster was also happy to talk up the Storm’s chances of going back-to-back this year following last week’s announcement that Dale Finucane and Jesse Bromwich had taken over from Smith as co-captains.

No Cameron Smith .... don’t worry, Melbourne have Harry Grant.

Without being disrespectful to his former skipper, Munster said when questioned if the Storm could do it again without the man regarded as the game’s GOAT: “We pretty much only lost Cameron Smith.

“I know it is a massive loss but you’ve seen what Harry Grant can produce in Origin, and you saw what he did for the Tigers.

“And you’ve got Brandon Smith in the wings as well.

“So you’ve got two good quality hookers, one plays for his state and the other his country (New Zealand).

“We are not losing any strike power there.

“It is just probably more the calmness of the group and keeping every one with a calm head and knowing what their role is.

“If we can do that I can’t see why we can’t give the competition a good shake again.”