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Cameron Munster

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Cameron Munster (born 13 September 1994) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a five-eighth for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League (NRL)[2] and Australia at international level. He is considered one of the greatest five-eighths in the modern era.[3]

Cameron Munster
Personal information
Born (1994-09-13) 13 September 1994 (age 30)
Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
Height185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight89 kg (14 st 0 lb)
Playing information
PositionFive-eighth, Fullback
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2014– Melbourne Storm 212 59 46 4 332
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2017–23 Queensland 18 3 0 0 12
2017–23 Australia 11 4 0 0 16
Source: [1]
As of 8 October 2024

Cameron has played for Queensland in the State of Origin series, receiving the Wally Lewis Medal in the 2020 series for Player of the Series. Munster won the 2017 NRL Grand Final and 2020 NRL Grand Final with Melbourne. He played and debuted as a fullback earlier in his career with enormous success and has represented Queensland in that position but settled into five-eighth upon Billy Slater's return from injury in 2017.

Early life

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Munster was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.[4] He was educated at Berserker Street State School then Emmaus College, Rockhampton.

He played his junior rugby league for the North Knights at five-eighth,[5] before being signed by the Central Queensland Capras in the Queensland Cup. In June 2013, he signed a two-year contract with the Melbourne Storm.[6] Before signing with Melbourne, Central Queensland head coach and former Canterbury player Jason Hetherington had phoned the Canterbury-Bankstown recruitment team recommending that they sign Munster but he was told the club had no interest in signing the player. Hetherington spoke to The Sydney Morning Herald saying "I made a few phone calls and just tried to find an opportunity for him. Obviously my alliance and heart lies with the Bulldogs and I went that direction first, I would have liked for them to have shown a bit more interest to be honest with you, but it's a competitive world out there".[7]

On 21 September 2013, he won the Queensland Cup Rookie of the Year award.[8]

Playing career

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Munster playing for Melbourne in 2014

2014

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Munster played for the Storm's NYC team in the earlier rounds of 2014, playing 9 games, scoring 7 tries and kicking 33 goals,[9] before moving on to the Storm's Queensland Cup team, Eastern Suburbs Tigers. On 18 March, he extended his contract with the Storm until the end of 2017.[10] On 3 May, he played for the Queensland Under-20s team against the New South Wales Under-20s team, playing off the interchange bench in the 30–8 loss at Penrith Stadium.[11][12] In Round 12 of the 2014 NRL season, he made his NRL debut for the Storm against the North Queensland Cowboys.[13]

2015

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In round 6 against the Canberra Raiders, Munster returned for the Storm, filling in for the injured Billy Slater at fullback and also scoring his first NRL career try in the 14–10 win at Canberra Stadium.[14]

 
Munster playing for the Easts Tigers in 2015

From Round 12 onwards after incumbent fullback Billy Slater was ruled out for the rest of the year due to a shoulder injury, Munster stepped up and filled in the vacant position at ease.[15][16][17] In Round 22 against the Gold Coast Titans, he scored a hat trick in the Storm's 36–14 win at AAMI Park.[18] Munster finished his promising 2015 NRL season with him playing in 19 matches and scoring 7 tries for the Storm.[19]

2016

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On 12 January, Munster was selected in the QAS Emerging Origin squad.[20] On 31 January, while in the Emerging Maroons camp, he broke curfew and the QRL announced he would be excluded from its representative programs for the next 12 months.[21] On 1 February, he was named in the Storm's 2016 Auckland Nines squad.[22] Munster started the 2016 season playing at centre in round 1 against the St George Illawarra Dragons in the 18–16 win at AAMI Park.[23]

Following Billy Slater's season-ending shoulder injury, Munster took over the fullback role for the rest of the season.[24] On 11 May 2016, Munster extended his contract with the Melbourne Storm to the end of the 2019 season, earning around $2 million within those years.[25]

On 2 October 2016, in the Storm's 2016 NRL Grand Final against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Munster played at fullback in the 14–12 defeat.[26] Munster finished the 2016 NRL season with him playing in 24 matches and scoring 4 tries for the Storm.

2017

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With Billy Slater set to return Fullback and to action from a shoulder injury which ended his 2016 season (after round 1), Munster was expected to spend time playing five-eighth following Blake Green's departure to Manly, in the 2017 season. However, with coach Craig Bellamy opted to rest Billy Slater for the opening 2 rounds of the season, Munster filled-in again at fullback with Ryley Jacks playing five-eighth.[27] When fullback Billy Slater made his return from injury (coming off the bench in the 28th minute) in the Storm's Round 3 home game against the Brisbane Broncos, Munster then took over the five-eighth role. Following that Round 3 game, he was then ruled out of action with a fractured cheekbone until Round 7.[28] Munster then took back the five-eighth role (combining in the team's spine combination with captain Cameron Smith at Hooker, Cooper Cronk at Halfback and Billy Slater at Fullback), producing a number of great performances.

Munster was part of the Queensland Maroons Origin Squad for game 2 of the 2017 State of Origin Series as being 18th Man.[29] Following a season-ending shoulder injury to Johnathan Thurston, Munster was selected to make his State of Origin debut, being selected at five-eighth with Michael Morgan shifting to the centres in the series deciding Game 3 match.[30][31] On-debut, he produced an outstanding performance combining with his Storm team-mates in QLD's one-club spine combination of Cameron Smith at Hooker, Cooper Cronk at Halfback and Billy Slater at Fullback; to help QLD to a series win in the 22–6 victory over NSW at Suncorp Stadium.[32]

On 1 October 2017, in the Storm's 2017 NRL Grand Final against the North Queensland Cowboys, Munster played at five-eighth in the 34–6 victory.[33][34] Munster finished off a great 2017 NRL season with him playing in 21 matches, scoring 1 try and kicking 12 goals for the Storm.

 
Munster representing Australia in 2017

On 3 October 2017, Munster was rewarded with selection in the 24-man Kangaroos squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.[35][36] On 3 November 2017, Munster made his test debut for Australia against France, where he started at halfback in place for James Maloney who pulled out of the match the night beforehand for personal reasons and scored 2 tries in the 52–6 win at Canberra Stadium.[37]

2018

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Munster played in both the 2018 World Club Challenge and 2018 NRL Grand Final. He was sin-binned twice in one game during Melbourne's Grand Final loss to the Sydney Roosters. Munster's second sin binning in the game came after he kicked Sydney Roosters player Joseph Manu in the back of the head.[38]

In November 2018, Munster re-signed with Melbourne until the end of 2023.[39]

2019

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In the 2019 NRL season, Munster played 24 games as the club finished as runaway minor premiers. Munster played in the club's preliminary final defeat against the Sydney Roosters at the Sydney Cricket Ground.[40]

On 7 October 2019, Munster was named in the Australian side for the upcoming Oceania Cup fixtures.

2020

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On 25 October 2020, Munster played for Melbourne in their 26–20 Grand Final win over Penrith.

On 4 November 2020, Munster scored his first State of Origin try in Queensland's 18–14 win in game 1 of the 2020 State of Origin series.

On 18 November 2020, Munster played in Queensland's 20–14 win clinching the 2020 State of Origin series where he was awarded the man of the match and the man of the series.[41]

2021

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Munster was selected by Queensland for game one of the 2021 State of Origin series after returning from injury. During game one, Munster was placed on report after kicking New South Wales player Liam Martin as he attempted to play the ball. Queensland would go on to lose game one 50-6.[42]

The following week, Munster was placed on report for kicking another opponent, this time during Melbourne's victory over the New Zealand Warriors.[43]

Munster played a total of 21 games for Melbourne in the 2021 NRL season as the club won 19 matches in a row and claimed the Minor Premiership. Munster played in all three finals matches including the preliminary final where Melbourne suffered a shock 10-6 loss against eventual premiers Penrith.[44]

2022

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Munster received praise in 2022, with Rugby League Immortal Andrew Johns saying, "Munster is on his own, he's in another stratosphere. He's gone beyond superstar status." on his podcast Immortal Behaviour in the lead up to State of Origin.[45]

Munster was again Man of the Match in Origin in the first game, which was a 16-10 QLD victory.[46] Munster drew comparisons to Wally Lewis from retired Queensland captain Paul Vautin after the match. "He's getting closer to (Lewis) with the way he's playing," Vautin said. "He's an instinctive player, as Wally Lewis was. Wally wasn't structured by any imagination, but he was instinctive, and so is Cameron Munster." Andrew Johns agreed, "He's just on another planet at the moment, no one is near him, you cannot coach against him because he is so unpredictable. He's on a stratosphere which is up there, we compared him in post game to Wally Lewis and that was Wally Lewis like. The bigger the occasion, the more pressure, the better he goes. You can't stop him, you can't coach against him and you can not stop him".[47]

Munster scored his second Origin try in game 2 of the 2022 State of Origin series however QLD lost 44-12, sending it to a Suncorp decider.[48]

On 8 July 2022, less than a week out of the Origin decider, breaking news began circulating that both Munster and QLD winger Murray Taulagi had returned positive Rapid Antigen Tests for COVID-19.[49] It was confirmed the following morning that they had returned positive PCR swabs, ruling the pair out of the match.[50]

In round 21 of the 2022 NRL season, Munster, starting a game at fullback for the first time since the 2019 State of Origin series decider scored the second hat-trick of his career in Melbourne's victory over the bottom placed Gold Coast Titans.[51]

Following great speculation with the new 2023 Redcliffe Dolphins and uniting with Wayne Bennett, Munster pronounced his loyalty to Craig Bellamy and Melbourne Storm by inking a new long-term contract. With the goal to remain a one-club man, sighting his mum as a dominant influence in his decision.

In October he was named in the Australia squad for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.[52]

 
Munster warming up for Australia in 2022
 
Munster in a Samoa shirt after winning the 2021 RLWC Final in 2022

2023

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Munster played in all three games of the 2023 State of Origin series which saw Queensland win 2-1. Munster played 22 games for Melbourne in the 2023 NRL season as the club finished third on the table. He played in all three finals matches as Melbourne were defeated in the preliminary final by Penrith.[53]

2024

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In round 11, Munster injured his groin during Melbourne's 48-16 win against Parramatta.[54] Munster returned to action in Melbourne's round 21 clash against the Eels.[55] Munster later confirmed he would require surgery at the end of the season.[56] On 21 August 2024, Munster was inducted as a life member of the Melbourne Storm..[57] Munster played a total of 17 games for Melbourne in the 2024 NRL season as the club were runaway minor premiers. Munster played in Melbourne's 2024 NRL Grand Final loss against Penrith. In the second half of the match, Munster was placed on report for allegedly biting Penrith's Paul Alamoti.[58]

Personal life

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Munster married Bianca McMahon on 31 December 2023.[59]

Controversy

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In September 2021, a video was leaked to the media which showed Munster along with Melbourne players Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis partying with what appeared to be cocaine being used by Smith.

On 5 October 2021 following an investigation by the NRL's Integrity Unit, Munster was fined a total of $30,000 ($100,000 suspended) and he was also suspended from one match. Munster was also stood down from Melbourne's leadership group. Munster vowed to enter an alcohol rehabilitation centre for four weeks and said he would abstain from alcohol for a period of twelve months.[60]

Honours

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Individual

Club

Representative

Statistics

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NRL

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Statistics are correct as of end of the 2023 season
† Denotes seasons in which Munster won an NRL Premiership
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts W L D W–L %
2014   Melbourne Storm 1 0 – – 0 0 0 1 0 0.00
2015 19 7 – – 0 28 10 9 0 52.63
2016 24 4 – – 0 16 19 5 0 79.17
2017† 21 1 12 52.17 0 28 19 2 0 90.48
2018 24 4 2 100.00 2 22 16 8 0 66.67
2019 24 8 2 50.00 0 36 18 6 0 75.00
2020† 18 4 6 75.00 1 29 16 2 0 88.89
2021 20 7 16 53.33 0 28 16 4 0 80.00
2022 22 11 7 63.64 0 58 14 8 0 63.64
2023 22 8 1 50.50 1 35 14 8 0 63.64
2024 7 2 8
Career totals 202 56 46 57.50 4 320 142 53 0 73.99

* = Unfinished season

State of Origin

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† Denotes seasons in which Munster won a State of Origin Series
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts W L D W–L %
2017† Queensland 1 0 – – 0 0 1 0 0 100.00
2018 Queensland 3 0 – – 0 0 1 2 0 33.33
2019 Queensland 3 0 – – 0 0 1 2 0 33.33
2020† Queensland 3 1 – – 0 4 2 1 0 66.67
2021 Queensland 3 0 – – 0 0 1 2 0 33.33
2022† Queensland 2 1 – – 0 4 1 1 0 50.00
2023† Queensland 3 1 – – 0 4 2 1 0 75.00
Career totals 18 3 – – 0 12 9 9 0 50.00

Australia

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† Denotes years in which Munster won a World Cup Title
Season Team Matches T G GK % F/G Pts W L D W–L %
2017† Australia 2 4 0 0.00 0 16 2 0 0 100.00
2019 Australia 2 0 – – 0 0 1 1 0 50.00
2022† Australia 5 0 – – 0 0 5 5 0 100.00
2023 Australia 3 0 – – 0 0 2 1 0 75.00
Career totals 12 4 0 0.00 0 16 10 2 0 83.33

NOTE: In 2017 Cameron Munster was a member of the World Cup winning squad however did not play in the World Cup Final

References

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  1. ^ "Cameron Munster - Career Stats & Summary". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  2. ^ "Official NRL Profile of Cameron Munster". Melbourne Storm.
  3. ^ "25 in 25: Best five-eighths of NRL era - Daley, Lockyer, Fittler, Thurston, Benji, Munster, Foran, Keary, Wighton?". theroar.com.au.
  4. ^ "Queensland Maroons State of Origin 3 selection: Cameron Munster to start, DCE, Hunt battle for utility role". Fox Sports. 2 July 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  5. ^ Smart, Nick. "Cameron Munster happy to give fullback role to Billy Slater as he eyes grand final glory with Storm". Herald Sun. News Corporation. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  6. ^ "CQ's Munster to join NRL after signing Storm contract". Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  7. ^ "Canterbury Bulldogs missed chance to sign NRL grand final star Cameron Munster". www.smh.com.au. 24 September 2017.
  8. ^ "Capras' Cameron Munster caps big year off at awards night". Rockhampton Morning Bulletin. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  9. ^ "LeagueUnlimited NYC Teams - 2014 Round 2 » League Unlimited". Leagueunlimited.com. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  10. ^ "Melbourne Storm Re-Sign Jesse Bromwich Heading Off Interest from Several Other NRL Clubs". Heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  11. ^ "Queensland name Under-20s Origin team". NRL.com. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 28 October 2015.
  12. ^ "Queensland Lock Luke Bateman Suffers Homophobic Slur in NSW's U20s State of Origin Victory". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 15 December 2015.
  13. ^ "Late Mail : Round 12". Melbournestorm.com.au. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
  14. ^ "Gritty Wet Weather Performance from Melbourne Storm Denies Brave Canberra". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  15. ^ Roy Ward (31 May 2015). "Melbourne Storm bring in Cameron Munster with Billy Slater to miss Sydney Roosters clash". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  16. ^ "Melbourne Storm Superstar Billy Slater Gives Heir Apparent Cameron Munster Seal of Approval". Heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  17. ^ "Cameron Munster Following in Billy Slater's Footsteps". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  18. ^ "Munster Scores Hattrick in Melbourne Storm's 36-14 Win over Gold Coast Titans". Heraldsun.com.au. Retrieved 29 March 2016.
  19. ^ "Cameron Munster still developing, says Billy Slater". Theage.com.au. 8 December 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  20. ^ "Maroons name Emerging Origin squad". NRL.com. 12 January 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  21. ^ Brad Walter. "Valentine Holmes and Cameron Munster banned from Queensland Maroons in 2016". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  22. ^ "Storm name youthful Nines squad". NRL.com. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  23. ^ "An imperfect Storm can prolong era of dominance". Dailytelegraph.com.au. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  24. ^ "NRL 2016: Storm fullback Cameron Munster replaced Billy Slater". Fox Sports. 13 March 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  25. ^ "NRL: Melbourne Storm re-sign Cameron Munster, fullback inks new Storm contract". Fox Sports. 10 May 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  26. ^ "NRL 2016 grand final: Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks player ratings". Fox Sports. 2 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
  27. ^ "NRL video: Melbourne Storm Cameron Munster broken jaw injury". Fox Sports. 17 March 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  28. ^ Woods, Melissa (17 March 2017). "Cameron Munster breaks jaw in Storm NRL win". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  29. ^ "Cameron Munster Expected to Replace Darius Boyd at Left Centre in Origin III". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  30. ^ "Will Kevin Walters Play Michael Morgan or Cameron Munster in the Halves". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  31. ^ "State of Origin: Queensland's Michael Morgan backs Cameron Munster for Maroons No.6 jersey". Wwos.nine.com.au. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  32. ^ "A new Queensland dynasty is born". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  33. ^ Bungard, Matt (1 October 2017). "NRL grand final 2017: How the Melbourne Storm players rated". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  34. ^ "Super Storm crowned NRL premiers". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  35. ^ "Mal: 'Obviously he was clearly upset'". News.com.au. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  36. ^ "Roos rookie up for surprise new role". Couriermail.com.au. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  37. ^ "Aussie freak enters history books in bloodbath".
  38. ^ "Cameron Munster slammed for dirty kick on Joseph Manu". wwos.nine.com.au.
  39. ^ "Melbourne star Cameron Munster re-signs with Storm on lengthy deal". Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  40. ^ "Roosters 14-6 Storm: NRL preliminary final – as it happened". The Guardian.
  41. ^ Balym, Todd (19 October 2020). "Munster shows his medal to emerge from shadow of the Big Three". NRL.com. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  42. ^ "Disgraceful act': Munster lashed for 'cheap shot' as Maroons star tests ref amid crackdown". www.foxsports.com.au.
  43. ^ "Cameron Munster's grubby kicking tactics exposed again in NRL". www.news.com.au.
  44. ^ "Penrith Panthers beat Melbourne Storm 10-6 to reach second straight NRL grand final, will face South Sydney Rabbitohs". www.abc.net.au.
  45. ^ "Joey reflects on meeting his League Idols: Immortal Behaviour - Episode 7". youtube.com.
  46. ^ "Cameron Munster Earns Wally Lewis Comparisons: Man Of The Match Performance". wwos.nine.com.au.
  47. ^ "Blues legend stunned by Munster's Origin performance: Immortal Behaviour - Episode 11". wwos.youtube.com.
  48. ^ "Blues v Maroons Game 2 2022". nrl.com.
  49. ^ "Statement: Munster and Taulagi". qrl.com.au.
  50. ^ "Statement: Maroons confirm changes to squad". qrl.com.au.
  51. ^ "Eels roar home to down Sea Eagles, Storm score bittersweet victory over Titans". www.abc.net.au.
  52. ^ Full list of every squad at the Rugby League World Cup 2021
  53. ^ "NRL 2023: Melbourne Storm season review". www.sportingnews.com.
  54. ^ "Cameron Munster Injury Update". Melbourne Storm. 20 May 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  55. ^ "Munster enjoys winning return as Storm defeat Eels". National Rugby League. 26 July 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  56. ^ Nicolussi, Christian (25 July 2024). "'These old legs are coming to an end': Munster set for double hip surgery". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  57. ^ Staff, Writer (21 August 2024). "Melbourne Storm induct newest Life Members". Melbourne Storm. Retrieved 22 August 2024.
  58. ^ "NRL grand final 2024 quick hits: Biting allegation, Panthers halves swansong and a controversial bunker decision". www.abc.net.au.
  59. ^ Epstein, Jackie (7 January 2024). "AFL stars wed in lavish off-season celebrations". Herald Sun. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  60. ^ "Munster sent to rehab, axed from leadership as Storm make $100k statement over scandal". www.foxsports.com.au.
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