‘His immaturity is still the same’: Cameron Munster remains one of the game’s great larrikins, but his leadership has gone to new heights

Cameron Munster will always be one of rugby league’s great larrikins, but Queensland coach Billy Slater has seen a new side to his former teammate.

A lot has been made about the Blues welcoming back champion playmaker Nathan Cleary, but the Maroons also get back one of the world’s best five-eighths with a more mature Cameron Munster tipped to shine after missing the 2024 Origin campaign.

Munster was sidelined for the entire series due to a crippling groin injury, but he’s fully fit and ready to show why he’s considered one of the best big-game players of the modern era.

A larrikin off the field known for his sharp one-liners, Munster has stepped up as a leader and matured as a man with his young family.

He is still responsible for providing the laughs in camp, but Queensland coach Billy Slater is calling on his former teammate to lead from the front as the Maroons look to win back the Origin shield.

Cameron Munster has emerged as a true leader despite remaining the funny man in camp. Picture: Lachie Millard

“His immaturity is still the same, but he’s certainly become a leader,” he said.

“He’s very professional – it’s hard to believe – but he’s a very professional person who cares about his footy, and he has a real influence on everyone around him.

“It’s great to have him back. He’s been a wonderful player for a long time.

“He’s a really infectious person. On the field, we know what type of player he is, and he has so much influence over how we play.

“But at the same time, off the field he’s such a great character. Everyone has a smile on their face when they’re around Cameron Munster.

“Whether he’s saying something good or something silly, it’s irrelevant. He brings the mood to that even playing field.”

Munster missed last year’s series after suffering a serious injury at Magic Round. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Munster is a key addition for a Maroons side that piled on the points against a 12-man Blues team in last year’s series opener, only to lose game two by 20 points before they managed just two penalty goals in the decider at home.

Kalyn Ponga will provide plenty of spark at the back, while the hosts also get some key forwards back, but Slater insists a few key names on the team sheet won’t make a difference if the team doesn’t nail the little things.

“It won’t just ignite, it won’t just happen. We have to make it happen,” he replied when asked if the attack would fire with a few key inclusions.

“A few tries would be nice, wouldn’t it? We’ve worked on a balanced preparation through the last 10 days, and hopefully that will show on the field.

“You can’t just get one part of your game – you need to get your whole game right – and hopefully that’s what we’re focused on.”