Cameron Munster Mourns Father’s Passing Ahead of Pivotal State of Origin Decider
Queensland Captain Cameron Munster to Play Origin Decider Despite Father’s Death
By Joel Gould and James Cooney | Updated: 03:21 BST, 6 July 2025
Queensland State of Origin captain Cameron Munster will lead the Maroons in Wednesday’s series decider against New South Wales just days after the tragic death of his father, Steven. The 30-year-old playmaker left camp to grieve with family but confirmed his commitment to play in what teammates describe as an "emotion-charged" tribute to his late father.
Maroons coach Billy Slater addressed the media Sunday, stating: “Cam will exit camp to be with his family before rejoining his team for the game. We send our love to Steven’s wife Debbie, daughter Danielle, and Cameron during this heartbreaking time.”
Munster, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance in Queensland’s Game Two victory in Perth, now faces perhaps the toughest challenge of his career. The series-deciding match in Sydney marks Munster’s 21st Origin appearance and his first as full-time captain.
Cameron Munster training with the Maroons ahead of the decider (Image: Daily Mail Australia)
A History of Resilience
Munster has a storied Origin career, earning the Wally Lewis Medal in 2020 and starring in two previous decider wins. However, the task ahead is monumental: no Queensland team in 45 years has lost Game One and rallied to win the next two matches away from home.
Reflecting on the challenge, Munster said: “There’s a lot of history to break, but we’ve shown we can defy odds. It’ll take an 80-minute effort in Sydney.” His leadership shone in Game Two, where he inspired Queensland’s comeback from an 18-10 deficit.
Personal Tragedy Fuels Determination
News of Steven Munster’s passing reached Cameron during camp, adding emotional weight to an already high-stakes clash. The star five-eighth, known for his gritty on-field persona, is determined to honor his father’s memory through his performance.
Munster with his wife Bianca earlier this season (Image: Daily Mail Australia)
Underdog Mentality
The Maroons enter Game Three as underdogs, a role Munster believes suits them. “People wrote us off in Perth, and they’ll do it again,” he said. “We control our preparation — play our hearts out, and see where that takes us.”
Queensland has historically thrived in Sydney deciders, clinching the shield there in 1998, 2008, and 2013. However, Munster’s lone Sydney decider in 2019 ended in heartbreak when James Tedesco’s last-minute try secured a Blues victory.
Teammates Rally Around Skipper
Maroons players have vowed to support Munster, with Slater emphasizing the team’s unity: “Cam’s strength inspires us all. We’ll play for him, his family, and Queensland.”
As Munster prepares to take the field amidst profound personal loss, his resilience epitomizes the Origin spirit. Wednesday’s match promises not only a showdown for rugby league supremacy but a testament to courage in the face of adversity.
The State of Origin decider kicks off Wednesday night at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.
Munster celebrating a Maroons victory (Image: Daily Mail Australia)
Share or comment on this article:
Queensland skipper Cameron Munster devastated by dad’s death days before State of Origin decider
(Word count: ~650)
