Cameron Munster rocked by dad’s death days before Origin series decider

Queensland captain Cameron Munster has been rocked by the death of his dad just days before the State of Origin series decider.

Queensland captain Cameron Munster has been rocked by the death of his dad just days before the State of Origin series decider.

The death of Munster’s dad Steven was confirmed by Maroons coach Billy Slater on Sunday morning.

He said the Melbourne Storm playmaker has indicated he still intends to play in Wednesday night’s series decider in Sydney.

“Unfortunately we woke to the sad news of the passing of Cameron Munster’s father Steven Munster overnight,” Slater said, as first reported by Code Sports.

Cameron Munster parents Deborah and Steven pix from instagram

Cameron Munster (left) has always been a force in the Origin arena. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

“Cam will exit camp to be with his family before rejoining his team for the game on Wednesday.

“On behalf of myself and our footy team and the state of Queensland, we send our thoughts, our love and condolences to Steven Munster’s family and friends, in particular his wife Debbie, his daughter Danielle and of course his son Cameron. Thanks.”

Munster has previously spoken about his dad’s long battle managing his diabetes condition.

According to Code, Queensland officials offered Munster an opportunity to stand down from the game, but the Maroons’ No. 6 will be there for the series finale.

The 30-year-old captained his state for the first time in Origin Game 2 in Perth, where the Maroons pulled off a win for the ages.

Cameron Munster leads Queensland to victory in Perth. NRL Photos.

It had already been an emotionally draining month for Munster, who replaced Daly Cherry-Evans as Queensland captain after the team were blown off the park in the series opener.

He returned to Melbourne to be with his family after Origin Game 2 before joining his teammates in Sydney ahead of their Round 16 match against the Rabbitohs.

Munster has arguably been Queensland’s greatest player over the last 10 years and has earned comparisons with Maroons icon Wally Lewis.

His decision to play on Wednesday night would be another inspirational move from the new Queensland skipper.

Muster has always worn his heart on his sleeve on the football field and let his emotions pour out in a classy defence of Slater following the Maroons’ Game 2 victory.

“With all the pressure and criticism that Billy Slater has been getting, we’re just glad we played for him tonight,” Munster said.

“He deserves everything, he loves Queensland and he loves this group.

“There’s been a lot of speculation in the media, we needed to turn up for our coach tonight and we f***ing did.”

The Queensland Rugby League (QRL) has not announced when Munster will return to camp.

More to come...