Loose, loud and loyal: The making of Qld captain Cameron Munster
Cameron Munster’s ascent to Queensland captain is as unlikely as it is intriguing, a wild cocktail of character quirks and undeniable ability. SPECIAL REPORT
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Loveable larrikin, flawed genius, state hero.
Cameron Munster’s ascent to Queensland captain is as unlikely as it is intriguing, a wild cocktail of character quirks and undeniable ability.
As the Storm, Maroons and Kangaroos five-eighth plotted possibly his finest hour – a backs-to-the-wall series win over NSW – we look at his rise, fall and rise again.
Early days and family life
The Rockhampton product was born on September 13, 1994.
He grew up in a working-class family deeply connected to rugby league.
His father, Steven, was a former player for the Rockhampton Brothers club, and his mother, Debbie, provided unwavering support throughout his journey.
He also has a sister, Danielle.
Munster attended Berserker Street State School and later Emmaus College, institutions known for their strong rugby league programs.
At Emmaus College, he honed his skills and showcased his talent in competitions like the Confraternity Carnival, a premier rugby league tournament for Catholic and independent secondary schools in Queensland.
Rise in rugby league ranks
After honing his skills with the North Knights in his junior years, Munster quickly progressed through the ranks of local rugby league, catching the attention of scouts for his ability to break tackles, his instinctive attacking play, and his fierce competitive edge.
His big break came when he joined the Central Queensland Capras in the Queensland Cup, where he played as a teenager against seasoned professionals.
In 2013, his breakout season with the Capras saw him named the Queensland Cup Rookie of the Year.
The Melbourne Storm, renowned for their ability to develop young players, signed Munster shortly after.
Storm recruitment manager Paul Bunn saw potential in Munster’s unpredictable playing style and work ethic.
“There was something about his competitiveness,” Bunn later said.
“You could tell he had that spark, that drive, that made him different.”
Munster relocated to Melbourne, far from his hometown, where he quickly learned the demands of Craig Bellamy’s famously disciplined system.
Munster has since admitted that he struggled with homesickness and the structure at first, saying, “I was used to playing off the cuff, doing my thing. Down here, it was a different beast”.
The Tinder years
Munster openly admitted to a period in his life where he was heavily involved in the party scene, stating: “I was a self-confessed Tinder addict back in the day.”
This candid acknowledgment highlighted his struggles with maintaining professionalism during his formative years.
At the beginning of his Storm career Munster was chosen to play a trial game against Canberra in Griffith. Munster admitted to staying up until 1am “chasing tail” on Tinder the night before the match.
He said he played “shithouse” the following day and resulted in Bellamy questioning the prodigy on whether he really wanted to be an NRL player or “go back to Rockhampton and dig holes”.
Becoming a NRL heavyweight
After establishing himself in the Storm side by 2016, Munster initially stepped into Billy Slater’s shoes at fullback when required, and later made the five-eighth jersey his own.
His breakout on the national stage came in 2017 when he was called into the Queensland team for Game III.
Stepping into the pressure cooker of Origin football with limited preparation, Munster played like a seasoned veteran, delivering a phenomenal debut performance.
Queensland legend Cameron Smith later said, “It’s like he was born for this. Nothing fazes him.”
From there, Munster’s star power only grew. He became a regular in the Queensland squad and was instrumental in multiple Origin campaigns, most notably the 2020 series where he led an underdog Maroons side to a stunning upset victory.
His man-of-the-match performances, despite battling injuries, earned him the Wally Lewis Medal for Player of the Series.
Reflecting on that triumph, Munster said, “People wrote us off — we loved that. I just wanted to show Queensland what I’m made of.”
Off the field, Munster’s growing profile saw him become one of the NRL’s most marketable and talked-about players — for both his brilliance and his off-field missteps.
His teammates consistently praised his raw talent and laid-back charm, with Storm captain Jesse Bromwich once saying, “When he’s switched on, he’s the most dangerous player in the comp”.
Premiership glory
Munster has been instrumental in Melbourne Storm’s success, contributing to their premiership victories in 2017 and 2020.
Demonstrating his commitment to the team, Munster made a significant financial sacrifice to remain with the Storm, stating: “Money isn’t everything”.
His coach, Craig Bellamy, has been a significant influence, with Munster acknowledging: “I could barely tie my shoelaces when I got down here so he’s done a lot for me.”
Teammate Christian Welch praised Munster’s growth: “He’s a great bloke to live with and keeps the light side and is always up for doing something whether it’s going out for tea or playing golf – you never have a bad time with Munster.”
On-field brain snaps
During the 2024 NRL grand final, Munster was accused of biting Penrith’s Paul Alamoti. Munster vehemently denied the allegation, asserting: “I can guarantee you I didn’t bite.”
The NRL Match Review Committee cleared Munster of any wrongdoing due to insufficient evidence.
In a 2021 State of Origin match, Munster was involved in a controversial incident where he kicked NSW’s Liam Martin.
Acknowledging the lapse in judgment, Munster commented: “He got under my skin.”
The incident resulted in a fine but no suspension.
In the 2018 NRL grand final, Munster kicked Roosters star Joseph Manu in the head in the dying minutes of the game. He was sin binned for the second time in the match and received a $1400 fine.
Bellamy called on Munster to “rein it in” and cut these actions out of his game.
Off-field scandals
In 2021, Munster faced significant backlash after footage emerged of him at a party with a white substance.
The incident led to a $30,000 fine, a one-match suspension, and a stint in a rehabilitation facility. He was never charged over the matter.
Reflecting on the episode, Munster stated: “I was down in the dumps that they were going to sack me.”
This moment served as a catalyst for Munster to reassess his lifestyle and commit to personal growth.
He later revealed he was losing thousands of dollars a week as he battled gambling and alcohol addictions.
“Every Saturday I was in a gambling routine. Some days I’d win and have a really good game,” Munster said at the time.
“Some days I might lose a lot of money and it was like a roller coaster.
“I’d have this anxiety about a big loss hanging over my head and it showed in the way I played.”
Queensland captain
Earlier this year, Munster was appointed captain of the Maroons, replacing Daly Cherry-Evans. Reflecting on his journey and the responsibility of leadership, Munster expressed:
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career, and I think that’s helped me become the person I am today.”
His appointment was met with widespread support, with coach Billy Slater and teammates praising his growth and leadership qualities.
In his first match as captain he led Queensland to an unlikely victory to send the series to a decider.
The cult hero
While many of his NRL peers project a highly polished, professional image, Munster’s appeal lies in his authenticity — he’s raw, real, and proudly imperfect.
Whether it’s his rumpled hair, dry humour, or his unpredictable playing style, Munster has built a loyal following of fans who see him as the everyday bloke who just happens to be a football genius.
Munster has admitted he doesn’t overthink things, famously saying, “I’m not someone who sits there and watches a heap of video. I just like to get out there and play what I see.”
As Munster once joked, “Sometimes I make it up as I go. Keeps everyone guessing, including me.”
Former Storm captain Christian Welch described him as “the ultimate larrikin” but said that Munster’s relaxed nature is what keeps the squad grounded.
“He’s the kind of guy who brings the dressing room to life. You need someone like that around, especially in a tough system like ours.”
Coach Craig Bellamy, who famously demands discipline, has also learned to accept Munster’s unorthodox ways, saying, “He’s one of those players you just let be themselves because that’s when you get the best out of him.”
As one Queensland supporter put it best: “He’s a guy you’d have a beer with, and then watch him tear the Blues apart an hour later. That’s why we love him.”
The family man
Munster and his wife, Bianca – who married in December 2023 – welcomed their third child, daughter Blake Maria, in September last year.
Born seven weeks premature, Blake joined older brothers Jaxon and Jagger, completing the Munster family of five.
Munster credits his family for his personal growth, stating, “My three kids and my wife helped me turn that corner and I’ve grown a little bit more.”
His father, Steven, passed away on Saturday evening, with Munster vowing to return to lead Queensland to an Origin series win in the days following.
It will be the finest hour of his decorated career.
Originally published as Loose, loud and loyal: The making of Qld captain Cameron Munster
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