Queensland stars reveal how they plan to honour Cameron Munster's late father during Wednesday's State of Origin decider
The Maroons camp was rocked this week by the sudden and tragic passing of Steven Munster, with coach Billy Slater issuing a statement to members of the media on Sunday regarding the news.
Cameron, who captained the side for the first time in his footy career during Queensland's State of Origin II victory in Perth, is bravely set to lead his team out again on Wednesday.
It comes after he travelled back home to be with his family in Central Queensland on Sunday.
'It hits everyone hard,' hooker Harry Grant explained, reflecting on the tragic news.
'(The Munsters) are a beautiful family and I've had plenty of moments and experiences with the family over the years.'
Grant has also opened up on how the team is hoping to honour Steven and support the Munster family ahead of this week's Origin decider.
'The best way we can [do to] support him is by throwing our arm around him and ultimately with our performance and our preparation,' Grant added.
'What we can control is our performance and that's the best way to pay our respects to the family.
'There's plenty of motivation for us as Queenslanders to make Queensland proud.
'This is another thing for us to be able to wrap our arms around our mate and make him and his family proud as well.'
New South Wales also issued a touching tribute to Munster's father over the weekend, while sending their condolences to his family.
'New South Wales Rugby League and the NSW Blues are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Queensland captain Cameron Munster's father Steve,' a statement on the Blues' website read.
'We would like to send our condolences to Cameron and his family during this difficult time.'
Steven was his son's biggest fan, regularly travelling up and down the country to watch the Melbourne Storm five-eighth play, alongside his partner, Debbie.
Munster had been handed the Maroons captain's armband after Slater opted to drop Origin veteran Daly Cherry-Evans from his squad following their State of Origin I defeat.
The Storm star led by example during Origin II, making 21 tackles while running 160m with the ball in hand, guiding his side to a two-point victory.
Now with the series level at 1-1, Grant added that Steven would have wanted his son to play in the final match.
'When you think about it, Cameron Munster captaining Queensland brings so much pride to the whole of his family and 'Stevie-boy' would love to see him out there in the maroon captaining his state,' Grant added.
'I think it is very brave the way he is handling the situation. We have to respect the way he is handling it and respect the way he is doing things and give him that time and space to flick the mindset to Queensland Maroons, Origin and what is around the corner.'
'It is a show of character to Cameron and also to his family. Ultimately he wants to lace the boots up and wear the maroon and make his family proud.
'It shows the strength of character of Cam and who he is and more importantly how much the maroon means to him and his family.
'For us, it leads to supporting him, wrapping our arms around him but also doing that with our performances.
'It's a great show of courage and strength from Cam but he is with his family and dealing with that. Once the game comes around he is prepared to do his job.'
Ahead of the game, Munster had spoken last week on how he wanted to 'stand up' for his side in the decider and put on a big performance.
'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.
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