Cameron Munster hits back at critics by declaring Queensland can only get better
Queensland have been labelled the worst Maroons side in Origin history even though they won the series opener.
Queensland star Cameron Munster has hit back at critics calling this the worst Maroons side in 40 years by declaring the side can only get better from here.
Despite being 1-0 up in the series, the Maroons have vowed to be even better than last week’s performance and claim the Origin shield in Sydney on Wednesday – putting to bed any question over this year’s Queensland squad.
It came after reports south of the border labelled this year’s Maroons side the worst side in Origin history – even though Queensland subsequently beat NSW 18-14.
Munster labelled the accusation as “disrespectful” and fired a warning shot by admitting the Maroons can play much better than they did in Game One.
“That’s a bit of disrespect from them,” Munster said of the report.
“We can be heaps better. As you can tell, there was a lot of frantic stuff in the first half.
“Our good ball wasn’t as good as we wanted it to be. We need to be better than we were last week because if we aren’t, it’s going to be the same as last year.”
The Maroons five-eighth had cast his eye back to last year when Queensland won the series opener 18-14 before being humiliated in Perth 38-6.
The aftermath of that loss seemed to carry on into the decider when the Blues managed to pull off a last-minute victory and clinch the series.
Munster said the Maroons had learnt their lesson.
“(Game One) was a big moment for our state but we’re in the exact same position as we were in last year and we got our pants pulled down in Sydney and Perth,” he said. “We need to make sure what we did last week, we need to improve and be better. The Blues have strike all over the park and we know they can be forceful and aggressive and score points.
“We know they’re going to be out there to do-or-die on Wednesday night in Sydney.
“Last week isn’t going to be good enough this week.”
The Blues have also been put on notice this week as Munster forecast a more aggressive running game on Wednesday night.
“I can go to another level and that’s just me backing myself,” he said. “(Game One) was the best running game I’ve had in the last six weeks.
“I’m getting some more confidence in my knee and hoping I can do something similar (to Game One) if not better in Game Two.”
Kurt Capewell remains in doubt for Game Two after failing to train in the Maroons’ important Sunday session.
Capewell was absent from the full team training session at Cbus Super Stadium and instead was put through a fitness test to assess his injured groin.
Edrick Lee looks set to make his Origin debut, if Capewell fails to play, after training at right wing while Phillip Sami trained at right centre yesterday.
Brenko Lee also remains in doubt as he continues to overcome a calf injury.
A final decision is likely to be made during the Maroons captain’s run tomorrow.
The Courier-Mail
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