Munster injury casts doubt over Queensland Origin selection

Despite recording the largest win during Magic Round, the Melbourne Storm are sweating on the fitness of star playmaker Cameron Munster who failed to return after halftime.

The Queensland five-eighth was writhing in pain and clutching at his troublesome groin which forced him to sit out the first four rounds of the 2024 season.

SEN’s Cameron Smith believes Munster is now set for another lengthy stint on the sidelines which could easily see him miss Game I of the 2024 State of Origin series.

“The way he went down looked bad,” Smith said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“The injury looked quite significant and I actually walked into the sheds at halftime.

“I said hello to him and just to check on him and he was extremely disappointed of course.

“I think he’s going to be missing at least a couple of weeks and there is huge doubt now on his availability for State of Origin Game I.

“He’s not going to let himself be picked for Origin if he knows that he’s not 100% fit.

“He has been restricted and he’s never really been able to open up.

“Who knows what ths injury means now? Maybe he has a couple of weeks off.

“He went into that game knowing he wasn’t feeling the best but felt like he had to be out there.

“It’s not as bad as they first thought when he went down (but) will be an issue for the Melbourne Storm.”

Melbourne rallied after losing Munster at half time to run out 48-16 winners over the Parramatta Eels and consolidate second spot on the ladder.

SEN’s Greg Alexander revealed that despite Munster returning to the field, he was considering withdrawing himself from selection for Queensland in order to prioritise the Storm and ensure he didn’t reaggravate his groin.

“Someone had told me that Munster wasn’t going to play in Origin,” Alexander told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“He was going to tell Billy Slater that his groin wasn’t up to it because it has affected his form.

“Before he got (injured), he hit the ground and winced in pain which made it clear that it was an issue.

“It’s restricted him for 80 minutes (across the season).”

The Storm head to 4 Pines Park to take on the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday night.