Cameron Munster sat out Sunday's full training session, but Queensland officials have insisted their inspirational skipper is in no doubt for the State of Origin series opener against New South Wales.
Munster's Absence Explained
Maroons prop Tino Fa'asuamaleaui said Munster's absence was due to “soreness” as Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam ran at five-eighth during Sunday's session at Sunshine Coast Stadium. Munster did passing drills with Maroons legend Allan Langer as his teammates went through their paces.
Centre Robert Toia trained in a no-contact orange bib after suffering a category-two HIA at Magic Round for Sydney Roosters, but he is also not in doubt for the series opener.
Mind Games Denied
Fa'asuamaleaui scoffed when it was suggested the Maroons were playing “mind games” with NSW over the extent of Munster's injury. “That's them doing most of the talking,” he said. “I don't look into it too much. And I just worry about myself and getting my job done for Queensland.”
“I think (Munster) is just getting a bit old. He just calls when he wants to train. He's just had a bit of soreness and he's getting looked after. He is getting a bit older, so you've got to look after your body.”
Toia's Fitness
Maroons prop Lindsay Collins, a Roosters teammate of Toia, said he was just going through protocols and would be fit to play. Toia starred in last year's Origin series after fighting his way back to the NRL after multiple knee reconstructions.
“His body is in tune and it is some of the best footy that he is displaying,” Collins said. “One aspect I love about Bobby is his defence. There are not many people that get around him. In this arena defence wins games, so having a solid defensive centre is good for us.”
Munster's Leadership
Munster led the Maroons brilliantly in last year's series. He won't get to train again until Tuesday at the team's captain's run in Sydney, but Collins said the Maroons talisman would lead with his usual gusto on Wednesday night, sore or not.
“Some people can go into their shell and look sideways,” Collins said. “Munny just leads from the front and still plays his footy. It is easy to follow a man when he is playing footy like that.”
Sam Walker's Debut
New Maroons halfback Sam Walker, also a teammate of Collins, ran training and, while on debut, has the full faith of his teammates. “He is a pretty cool, calm and collected sort of guy, so for someone so young he has got a good head on his shoulders,” Collins said. “I think that just comes with him knowing his game and how he wants to play. We have full faith in Sammy and how he will play with his style of football.”
