Cameron Munster stunned by post-match Origin reveal

Cameron Munster turned in a performance for the ages in Queensland’s State of Origin upset, but he was still blindsided post-match.

Matthew Sullivan

less than 2 min read

June 9, 2022 - 8:23AM

Cameron Munster was shocked to hear he was named man of the match. Picture: Channel 9

Cameron Munster is made for State of Origin.

The Queenland five-eighth produced a performance for the ages as the Maroons stunned NSW 16-10 in Sydney on Wednesday night.

It was an evenly matched game for the first 20 minutes before Queensland edged ahead 6-4 at halftime thanks to a Dane Gagai try.

Stream the FOX LEAGUE State of Origin Game 1 REPLAY on Kayo with no ads during play. Both full and condensed replays available from 11PM AEST Wednesday. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

The Maroons scored twice more early in the second half with Daly Cherry-Evans and Valentine Holmes crossing for four-pointers as the game went up a notch.

And Munster was absolutely everywhere.

It’s Munster’s world, we’re just living in it. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

He had a couple of crucial line breaks and nearly scored himself as Queensland took the game by the scruff of the neck.

But the Blues surged back when Cameron Murray scored and they looked like they might score again when Munster popped up once again and somehow managed a one-on-one strip off Stephen Crighton.

Cameron Munster was a one-man show at times. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Air Munster. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Getting it done on defence too. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Channel 9 commentator Mathew Thompson said: “He is rugby league’s best one-one-one thief!”

NRL fans couldn’t believe Munster pulled off the strip to give Queensland the ball at such a crucial stage.

Munster! An important steal - phew! #QLDER #Origin
— Queensland Maroons (@QLDmaroons) June 8, 2022

Quickest hands in the game! He will steal any footy that isn't nailed down! Love the Munster strip! #Origin
— Roy Ward (@rpjward) June 8, 2022

Did Cam Munster just flex during play after that strip? #Munster #Origin
— Paul Johnson (@pjohnson_sports) June 8, 2022

Munster #thief #origin pic.twitter.com/kkaJGzSVTr
— Ed Jackson (@edjacko) June 8, 2022

Cameron Munster said #Origin pic.twitter.com/85QmYELHlR
— Christopher Reive (@ChrisReive) June 8, 2022

Munster was deservedly named player of the match but was surprised when he heard he had been awarded the honour.

“Really? Obviously not many players played well then,” Munster joked on Channel 9.

“I barely know what I’m doing, let alone the other team knowing what I’m doing. That’s when I play my best footy. I was lucky enough it came off a couple of times.”

Cameron Munster was shocked to hear he was named man of the match. Picture: Channel 9

Munster was the player of the series when Queensland last lifted the Origin shield in 2020 and he once again stood up on the biggest stage in rugby league.

Sports reporter Mark Gottlieb tweeted: “Munster was clearly the difference tonight and a deserving man of the match. I had debutants Carrigan and Cotter as my other two best. Brilliant performance in their first #stateoforigin game.”

Sports editor Adam Hill said: “All time performance from the Maroons. Munster insane!”

Journalist Alexander Grant added: “Munster just embarrassed half of the Blues side.”