Origin team rocked by tragic death
Munster learned of his father's death overnight in Queensland camp on the Sunshine Coast, with coach Billy Slater confirming the news in a statement on The Sunday Footy Show.
'Unfortunately we woke to the sad news of the passing of Cameron Munster's father Steven Munster overnight,' Slater said on Sunday morning.
'Cam will exit camp to be with his family before rejoining his team for the game on Wednesday.
'On behalf of myself and 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 was given the option to stand down from Origin III at Accor Stadium by Queensland officials, but has told officials he wants to play in honour of his late father.
The Storm five-eighth produced a man-of-the-match performance and led a stirring Queensland upset in Perth after being handed the state captaincy. Longtime teammate and Cameron Smith backed Munster to return for the decider, while Broncos star Reece Walsh remains in camp as 18th man.
'Knowing Cameron quite personally… I think he'll want to go out there and play for his father,' Smith said.
'Come Wednesday his headspace will be where it needs to be.'
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Queensland State of Origin captain Cameron Munster is set to take the field in Wednesday night's series decider despite the sudden death of his father, Steven Munster, just days before the match. Munster was in camp with the Maroons when he received the devastating news overnight. Rather than withdraw, the 29-year-old playmaker has chosen to honour his father's memory by leading his state into one of the most emotionally charged games of his career. Queensland coach Billy Slater confirmed on Sunday morning, saying Munster had been granted compassionate leave to be with his family before rejoining the squad ahead of Game III at Accor Stadium in Sydney. '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.' Slater extended condolences on behalf of the entire Queensland Origin team and the wider rugby league community. '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—particularly his wife Debbie, his daughter Danielle, and of course, his son Cameron,' Slater said. Steven Munster was a proud supporter of his son's career, regularly travelling with his wife Debbie to watch Cameron play for both the Melbourne Storm and Queensland. He was a passionate Maroons fan and a constant presence in the stands during State of Origin. Munster's decision to play through personal tragedy has only strengthened admiration for the Queensland star, who will now lead his side with heavy emotion behind him in the high-stakes decider.
