Why Cameron Munster is already shaping as a future Queensland Origin captain

Maroons star Cameron Munster is already being groomed as the man to take over from current Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans.

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Cameron Munster is Queensland’s captain-in-waiting, with Maroons hierarchy declaring their new fullback is the frontrunner to succeed Daly Cherry-Evans as the state’s next leader.

As Munster prepares to make his fullback debut for Queensland in the decider against NSW at ANZ Stadium, Maroons powerbrokers have nominated the Storm ace as a key part of their leadership succession plan.

After six games in the famous No.6 jumper, Munster plays his seventh Origin match in the fullback slot he coveted in his teens – and now Queensland coach Kevin Walters has formulated a blueprint to make him his No.1 man.

Cherry-Evans inherited the Origin captaincy this year, but with the veteran halfback turning 31 next February, the Queensland Rugby League is determined to avoid the leadership conundrum that occurred after Cameron Smith’s shock retirement in 2018.

Munster has enjoyed a terrific start to his Origin career. Picture by Adam Head.

Walters backed Munster to flourish in a backfield role in Game Three with a view to the 24-year-old eventually ascending to one of the most prestigious posts in Australian sport.

“If Cam keeps developing and maturing, he can captain Queensland,” said Maroons selector and former skipper Darren Lockyer.

“Kalyn Ponga is another one we’re looking at, so it’s important you pick guys with leadership qualities that teammates will follow.

“Munster isn’t ready right now but in a couple of years’ time, depending on performance and results, he is our captain-in-waiting.

“Things can change quite quickly. Who would have thought Daly Cherry-Evans would have been captain this year when Greg Inglis was there 12 months ago? But Cameron definitely has the talent and the leadership potential.”

After a whirlwind start to his Origin career, Munster received a stinging reality check in Game Two a fortnight ago, lashing his contribution in Queensland’s 38-6 hammering at Perth’s Optus Stadium.

Can Munster lead Queensland to victory? Picture by Adam Head.

A reluctant five-eighth despite his class in the role, Munster is relishing his return to the backfield where coach Walters is keen to see him use his bulk, power running and passing game to spearhead a boilover in the decider.

“Cameron is a backyard player. He’s in your team straight up,” Walters said.

“He’s one of the first guys picked. He’s been doing some extras around his training to manage the workload at fullback. He’s fine.

“From a balance point-of-view, for the team, it’s great to have him at fullback.

“Cameron is strong and athletic. He’s an aggressive type of player as well. I know he’s been screaming out for an opportunity in the fullback position, whether it’s in the NRL or in particular Origin.

Munster will line up at fullback in Origin for the first time.

“That excites me that he’s really looking forward to the opportunity that’s been presented to him.”

Lockyer, who started his career as a fullback before moving into the halves, rates Munster as Queensland’s game breaker.

“He is Queensland’s X-factor,” he said.

“Playing in the backfield will free up Munster to roam and pick his moments to inject himself. It makes Queensland a bit more dangerous through the middle of the field.

“I see Cameron using his power, strength and running game to take on the NSW line and put their defenders under pressure. Second-phase attack will make him very effective.”

Originally published as Why Cameron Munster is already shaping as a future Queensland Origin captain