Cameron Munster Confesses to Over-Trying Amid Form Slump Ahead of State of Origin
Queensland captain Cameron Munster has openly admitted that he needs to stop trying too hard as he works to reverse his sub-par form in time to replicate his State of Origin heroics. Munster, who led the Maroons to a stirring comeback victory in last year's series despite the sudden death of his father, has been below his best at club level during Melbourne's five-match losing streak—their longest since 2012.
While far from alone in this struggle, the star five-eighth is shouldering significant responsibility for the perennial NRL heavyweights' uncharacteristic run of poor performances. On Monday, Munster gave a half-hearted laugh as he pondered aloud whether Queensland coach Billy Slater would actually select him, expressing desperation to fight his way out of the slump ahead of the Origin series opener in Sydney on May 27.
Munster's Self-Reflection on Performance Pressure
"I have high expectations on myself and the way I've been playing ... I probably just think I'm going into games at the moment over-trying and trying too hard," Munster said. He explained that this tendency often occurs when pressure mounts and teams aren't winning, leading players to believe they can do it all themselves. "I wouldn't say I'm not trying or the effort's not there, but things aren't falling into place that usually fall into place for me," he added, highlighting his frustration with current results.
Munster won't over-complicate his plan to bounce back, aiming to lead with his actions and build confidence in the coming weeks. "I've just got to keep working on it," he stated. "I'm sure a lot of people probably think I've been below par and I'm my worst critic. So hopefully I can get back to playing some good footy and build on that before the Origin series starts."
Other Queensland Players Also Struggling with Form
Munster is one of several Queensland players experiencing a dip in form. For instance, Valentine Holmes missed 10 tackles as his rival centre Latrell Mitchell scored four tries in round seven, a particularly concerning display given Holmes could face Mitchell again in Origin. Additionally, Queensland's last two Wally Lewis medallists, Reuben Cotter and Tom Dearden, have been below their best at the inconsistent North Queensland Cowboys. Cotter ran for only 37 metres in the Cowboys' humiliating home loss to Manly last week.
Slater's Confidence in His Squad Ahead of Origin
Queensland have become known for their pick-and-stick selection ethos, with coach Billy Slater backing his key players to regain form by the time Origin arrives. "In terms of Origin and those players down on confidence, I'm sure they're looking to the simple parts of their game to get right," Slater said. "That's what turns it around." Slater and Munster were present to launch this year's Origin series on Monday at the MCG, where game two will be played on June 17.
Excitement and Challenges of Playing at the MCG
Rockhampton-born Munster expressed excitement about bringing Origin to his adopted home city of Melbourne, despite the Maroons' poor results there in recent times. NSW have won all three Origin encounters at the MCG in the last decade, including the last visit in 2024, when the Blues levelled the series by riding a 34-0 half-time lead to a 20-point victory. "I've been fortunate enough to play two games here, but it's not fond memories for myself," Munster admitted. "But to be captain of Queensland and lead them out after living here for 13-14 years is pretty special."
