State of Origin 2025: Maroons star Cameron Munster has overhauled his life, cutting out alcohol and fast food ahead of Queensland return

Maroons five-eighth Cameron Munster has always lived life hard, but a combination of alcohol and fast food had him fearing his State of Origin career was over.

Cameron Munster saved his representative by consulting Anthony Minichello. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Maroons maestro Cameron Munster has binned the booze, deleted Uber Eats and swapped hangovers for hugs after fearing his Origin career was over.

Munster will play his first State of Origin game in nearly two years when the Maroons kick-off their redemption quest in next Wednesday’s series-opener against the Blues at Suncorp Stadium.

The Maroons five-eighth hasn’t played Origin since Queensland’s dead-rubber loss in the last game of the 2023 series win.

A debilitating groin injury ruled Munster out of the entire 2024 series, which the Maroons lost 2-1, and left him fearing his Queensland career was toast.

But a rejuvenated Munster, now a father of three, has fought back and overhauled his preparation and commitment for another shot at dominating the Origin arena he has played in 18 times.

Cameron Munster saved his representative by consulting Anthony Minichello. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I definitely missed it last year, it is one of those things you don’t take for granted,” Munster said.

“I want to give it everything I’ve got. To win another series would be nice.

“Last year when I had a run of injuries with my groin and hips I honestly, being a dramatic person, thought my rep career was over.

“Now I have got it (surgery) done I feel amazing so I think I have a couple of years left in me.

“There’s a lot of people probably thinking I’ve got a bit more in me and I think that’s exciting.”

Munster, 30, has lived life a bit like he plays football – hard, fast and at times, erratic.

He was renowned for having a good time and for a long time traded on talent over professionalism.

But the two-time Melbourne premiership winner realised he couldn’t keep going down that path, especially after welcoming his third child with wife Bianca last year.

“I don’t drink a whole heap now,” Munster said.

“In previous years I was burning the candle at both ends or drinking every second weekend.

“You win games with your teammates and you want to celebrate with them. I’ve found a way of celebrating with them but not drinking. It’s been good.

“I’m not saying I’m going to cut the piss right out but I haven’t touched a beer for a while. My body feels better.

“And kids – three under three. It’s the best thing I ever did.

“I had to grow up and it made me grow up. You definitely don’t want to be hungover looking after kids.

“That’s one of the main reasons why I don’t drink a whole heap.”

Cameron Munster hasn’t played since th 2023 dead-rubber. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

It wasn’t just a love of a beer that was holding Munster back at times.

He also admits he didn’t have the best diet and a meeting with former NSW and Kangaroos fullback Anthony Minichiello put him on the right path.

“I probably should have bought shares in Uber Eats,” Munster said.

“I make my own food now. I go to my local butcher down the road and buy meats, chicken … just the normal stuff.

“It’s a little bit more expensive but I guess you are playing a professional sport and you’ve got to make sure you put the right fuel in your body.

“I gave Anthony Minichiello a little bit of a plug. I had a chat to him last year and the way he went about things with his body.

“He had some injuries and they pretty much told him he couldn’t play again. He had a back injury and changed his diet and that made his body feel better.

Cameron Munster, wife Bianca and sons Jaxon and Jagger in 2024. Picture: Coby Schifcofske-Melbourne Storm

“There is science behind it all and I’ve been doing a little bit with him and it’s worked well. I’ve done it the last seven or eight months and it has helped my body recover.

“I don’t have to take any anti-inflammatory (tablets). I’m not eating fast food anymore.”

If things go to plan, Munster will enter Queensland’s esteemed 20-game statesman’s club this year.

But there is one thing he wants more than an individual accolade.

“I’d like these young blokes to have the opportunity to win a series and have some great memories with them,” he said.