Is Munster at risk of being dropped by Queensland?

Chad Townsend and Denan Kemp have debated whether Billy Slater should consider dropping Queensland captain Cameron Munster ahead of Game I.

The star five-eighth has not gotten off to the best of starts in 2026, having struggled to have an impact in the Storm's attack, having only managed an average of 93 run metres so far.

With Melbourne now sitting 16th after losing seven straight games, Munster has admitted the thought of retirement has crossed his mind as he battles to find confidence in his game.

And with teams now actively taking advantage of his poor form, the 2016 Premiership winner noted that his position could be up for discussion should his performances continue.

“Cameron Munster is again being forced to make a lot of tackles,” Townsend explained on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“He made 30 tackles last night. His missed tackles were better last night.

"I think defensively, he was much improved than the previous week.

“But I think teams are…they're going at Cam Munster because they know he's a little bit down.

“And he's probably in career-worst form, at the moment.

“I know Origin's just around the corner, and I can't see a world where Queensland overlook their captain.

“But he is out of form, Kempy.”

Kemp would agree that Queensland is unlikely to drop its captain ahead of Game I.

However, he acknowledges that the Origin arena could be the thing to help him return to his usual form.

“He is out of form, but he's earned such a right (to play) in Origin,” Kemp said.

“Because there's been years where he's been down on form before and come in at Origin and absolutely killed it.

“I think at the very least, game one, he'll be there (with the halves pairing of) Dearden and Munster.

“But if he struggles, I can see some changes being made now, whether that's Ezra (Mam) coming in or Sam Walker and Dearden get moved to six.”

The Maroons will look to defend the Shield against the Blues when the men’s State of Origin begins on May 27.

Munster is expected to play in the Storm’s next match against the Wests Tigers at AAMI Park next Sunday.