Tributes for Steven Munster, father of Qld captain Cameron Munster

Steven Munster was as competitive as they came on the sports field, but loved nothing more than a beer and chat after the game. They’re traits he made sure he instilled in his son.

Queensland Maroons captain Cameron Munster, pictured with his father Steven, who died at the weekend. Picture Instagram

Steven Munster is being remembered as a “genuine guy” and a gifted sportsman following his tragic death.

The husband of Debbie and father of Danielle and rugby league star Cameron passed away overnight on Saturday.

Munster was in camp with Queensland when he got the heartbreaking news but plans to honour his dad by taking his place in the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night.

Munster’s NRL club, the Melbourne Storm, offered its condolences to the Munster family in a statement on Sunday.

“Steve was a beloved member of the Storm family and an incredible supporter of Cameron and the club,” it read.

Steven and Cameron Munster. Picture Instagram

“He was a regular in the Storm sheds and at events along with his wife, Deborah, and was a constant presence at his State of Origin and Australian representative matches.”

While his son excelled on the footy field, Steve blazed an impressive career with the willow.

A stalwart of Rockhampton Cricket, he was a gun top-order batsman who played A-grade for many years, as well as representing Rockhampton and Central Queensland.

He was also a Queensland indoor player.

Cricket identity Todd Wells said he first met Steve about 30 years ago.

Their families were connected not only by a love of sport but also through Steve and Todd’s mother Kerry Wells working together at Stanwell for 20 years.

“He was a really genuine guy who cared about everyone he came in contact with,” Todd said.

Cameron Munster was in camp with the Queensland Maroons when he got the news. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“When mum retired, Steve asked Cameron if he could send something to her and, in the middle of playing for the Kangaroos in England, he sent a heartfelt video wishing her all the best for the future.”

Todd said Steve was a talented player, respected by teammates and rivals alike.

“He was a good cricketer on the field and more importantly a great bloke off it,” he said.

“He was a really good teammate, a tough competitor and a good bloke to play with and against.

“He loved his sport and enjoyed a beer and a chat after the game as well.”

Todd said Steve was incredibly proud but never boastful about his son’s footy achievements.

“He wouldn’t start a conversation with how well Cameron was going,” he said.

“He never overstated anything; it was always he’s doing pretty well and he’s doing the family proud.”

Steven Munster reflected on son Cameron’s incredible football journey before going to watch him in his first NRL grand final.

Todd said the extended cricket family and broader Rockhampton community was still coming to terms with the tragic news.

“We’re all thinking of the whole family and hoping they’re doing the best they can at this very sad time,” he said.

“It will be tough for everyone to work through this.”

John ‘Joc’ Carroll echoed similar sentiments, saying Steve was a “lovely bloke” and an outstanding cricketer.

He remembers watching an enthusiastic young Steven and his brother Tim, who was also an accomplished player, honing their skills at Rockhampton’s Saleyards Park.

Carroll said he was coach and Steven captain of the Central Queensland men’s team, which enjoyed plenty of success and toured New Zealand in the 1990s.

“My mate Steven… I watched him grow up,” he said.

“He was a lovely bloke and such a good cricketer. He was the best bat in Queensland country in his day.”

Originally published as Tributes for Steven Munster, father of Qld captain Cameron Munster