Cameron Munster has been handed the Queensland captaincy for Origin II, and it’s a move that’s shocked many, not least because it coincides with the sensational axing of Daly Cherry-Evans.
But while debate rages over the decision, Blues coach Laurie Daley has thrown his full support behind the Maroons’ new skipper.
Speaking on Nine’s Today on Thursday, Daley said the leadership role could elevate Munster’s game when Queensland need him most.
‘That’ll inspire him to greater heights’
“Cam Munster, like most Queenslanders, would have grown up idolising Wally [Lewis] … and the fact that Cameron will play in the six jersey and be captain of his state, I think that'll inspire him to greater heights,” Daley said.
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Cherry-Evans, who becomes the first Maroons captain in nearly 30 years to be dropped mid-series, will be replaced by Cowboys half Tom Dearden. Daley said the new-look halves pairing posed a “massive threat” to the Blues.
“Tom Dearden is one of the most exciting players in the game. The way he challenges you in defence is like no one I’ve seen in a long time,” Daley said. “If we’re not strong defensively, then we’ll be found out.”
Blues icon Phil Gould admitted he wouldn’t have made the call but praised coach Billy Slater’s courage.
“It’s a big call … I really respect Billy Slater for making the call,” Gould said on Six Tackles with Gus. “Whether we agree or not is a different thing … I don’t think it’s the right time — but he could well be proven correct.”
Gould also backed Munster to embrace the captaincy.
“It’s an inspired choice … I think it’ll do him a world of good. He’s now the senior playmaker in the group. Looking through their player list, there was really no one else they could’ve chosen.”