Queensland captain Cameron Munster leaves Origin camp following tragic death of father

Sky News AU

06-07-2025

Rugby League superstar Cameron Munster has been rocked by the devastating death of his father, Steven.
Munster was in Maroons Camp when he got word of the devastating news of his father's shock death overnight.
The newly appointed Queensland Captain will leave his team's camp just days out from the State of Origin series decider.
He will return home to be with his family and then rejoin the team on Wednesday to play Game 3 in Sydney.
Maroons coach Billy Slater stood with his squad as he made a statement to the media on Sunday morning.
"Unfortunately, we woke to the sad news of the passing of Cameron Munster's father, Steven Munster, overnight,' Slater said.
'Cam will exit camp to be with his family before rejoining his team for the game on Wednesday.
"On behalf of myself, our footy team and the state of Queensland we send our thoughts, our love and condolences to Steven Munster's family and friends, in particular his wife Debbie, his daughter Danielle and of course his son Cameron.'
Munster's NRL team the Melbourne Storm also released a statement following their player's loss.
'Melbourne Storm wishes to offer its deepest condolences to the Munster family following the passing of Cameron's father Steve overnight,' the statement said.
'Steve was a beloved member of the Storm family and an incredible supporter of Cameron and the Club.
'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.'
The Melbourne Storm five-eighth will be looking to seal a Maroons victory on Wednesday night in his 21st Origin appearance.
The 30-year-old was man of the match in his first game as captain, winning 26-24 in Game 2 at Perth.
Queensland's victory now means a series decider in Sydney, after New South Wales won Game 1 in Brisbane, 18-6.
No Maroons side in 45 years has lost the first game and won the next two away from home.
Munster said his side will have to relish the underdog status and break another record to ensure victory lands in Queensland's lap come Wednesday night.
"There's a lot riding on it and there's a lot of history that needs to be broken, but things tend to get broken," Munster said post-match in Perth.
"I'm probably going to need to stand up again for Game three and I'll make sure I do.
"I have played in a decider in Sydney when we just got beaten by them in the last two minutes. We had come back in a miraculous way.
"I think we were down 14 points at one stage, but then Tedesco scored and broke our hearts.'