A smiling Cameron Munster back at Queensland training after his father’s death leaves Blues fans in fear before State of Origin Game 3

Cameron Munster has rejoined the Maroons just days after his father’s death, and one image from training should terrify the Blues.

Be afraid NSW. Be very afraid.

This is the sight of a man with a point to prove and a purpose greater than most to play for.

Queensland captain Cameron Munster returned to the Maroons squad during Tuesday’s captain’s run, just days after the sad passing of his father Steven and only 24 hours before the Origin decider.

He ran drills, threw the footy and embraced his teammates ready to take his place in tomorrow’s all-important State of Origin decider, all while dealing with the tragic loss. And he did it with a smile.

Cameron Munster walks onto the ground to take part during a Qld Maroons State Of Origin Squad Captain's Run at Accor Stadium. Photo Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

“Can I say, as a NSW fan, those images of him at the captain’s run smiling like that, scares the sh*t out of me,” The Australian’s Andrew Webster said on NRL 360 on Tuesday night.

“He played one of the games of his life and career in Game 2. I’m expecting even more tomorrow night.”

The sight of an emotionally charged Munster ready and raring to go has Blues fans very nervous, knowing the star five-eighth has even more to play for in a do or die clash.

“I say this with respect with what Cameron’s going through, football is not that important. But he’s one of the few people that can deal with it (a tragedy),” Cooper Cronk said on the Matty and Cronk podcast.

“You just know inside of him, I just know he’s going to bring something special,” Matty Johns said.

Munster was all smiles as he warmed up during the Maroons Origin Captain's Run. Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

Munster just lost his father Steven during Origin camp and took some time away before returning to the squad. Photo: Instagram.

The enormity of the moment also has his teammates raring to go, and getting behind their captain could be the recipe for success that makes the seemingly impossible task of winning much more real.

Former Canterbury forward James Graham said he could attest to this, creating extra concern for the Blues.

“It’s more important than sport and it certainly put things into perspective,” Graham said.

“When I’ve been in and around situations not too dissimilar to this, the effect of tragedy on an individual and within the group, it can produce a mental approach to a game which is incredibly different and ignite an emotional response.

Munster has a mountain to climb with hopes of leading his state to victory while dealing with the sudden loss. Photo: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images.

His Queensland side will be desperate to deliver a resounding performance for Munster and the state. Photo: Queensland Maroons.

“It is just a game, but obviously there’s triggers that go into elements of a performance and I think this unfortunate situation brings this Queensland team even closer together.”

Munster’s manager and close friend Braith Anasta said as much as the emotion will drive Munster, the “horrible” heartbreak can still make performing difficult.

“But it is probably easier said than done. I think the reality is it is going to be a challenge for him,” Anasta said.

“But it has been hard because I wanted to give him time for his family. I can relate to it and I think a lot of us can who have been in a similar situation, so I know what he is going through.

“It has been difficult, but he is a great bloke and he deserves all the best.”

While last year saw the Blues travel up to Suncorp stadium in Brisbane for the seemingly impossible task of winning a decider away from home, the roles have been reversed this year.

QLD come to Sydney as heavy underdogs in the Game 3 decider at Accor Stadium, especially after Blues powerhouse players Payne Haas and Brian To’o were yesterday cleared from any injury clouds.

It means NSW line up with an unchanged 1-17 from Game 2 where they only narrowly lost after a dominating second half performance.

Originally published as A smiling Cameron Munster back at Queensland training after his father’s death leaves Blues fans in fear before State of Origin Game 3