Cameron Munster has been hailed as one of Queensland’s greatest-ever players after captaining the Maroons to a remarkable State of Origin series win just days after the passing of his father.
The Melbourne Storm star was thrust into the captaincy with Queensland trailing 1-0, and responded by winning man of the match in Game II before leading the side to a series-clinching triumph in Sydney. His inspirational efforts under emotional strain have drawn comparisons with Maroons royalty.
“They say Joey is the closest to Lewis and Cameron Smith, but if he gets one more man of the match performance, I think he’s equal with those guys,” Gorden Tallis said on NRL 360.
“It’s just what he does in the jersey... the way the guy’s lifted for him. With leadership, they all come in different shapes and sizes, but they all follow him.”
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“Frighteningly close” to the King’s throne
James Hooper believes Munster has entered elite territory, not just for his on-field class but his resilience in the face of personal tragedy.
“There’s only one King in Wally Lewis, but Cameron’s starting to get frighteningly close to where the King is,” Hooper said.
“For Cameron to be made captain and lead the state with his actions the way that he has, I think that puts him in elite company.”
Even Lewis himself is said to be Munster’s biggest supporter, according to The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield.
“He always brings Cameron up... and talks about how he’s up there with the greatest players to ever wear the jersey. So coming from the King, that’s enough.”