- Unfolded days before 2025 Origin series decider
Footy star Cameron Munster has recalled the shattering moment he was told his father Steven had died following a sudden heart attack.
In camp ahead of this year’s State of Origin series decider in Sydney, Munster received a call from his sister who gave him the heartbreaking news days before Game III at Accor Stadium on July 9.
The five-eighth, who had been named Queensland captain, left Maroons camp immediately to spend time with his family.
Speaking on The Howie Games Podcast, Munster opened up on the harrowing phone call from his sibling.
‘All I remember is my sister just crying,’ Munster said.
‘And I was thinking…’far out, who’s hurt, someone’s in hospital?’ And then I just remember my sister saying, ‘Dad’s died.’ And I’m like, ‘What?’
Footy star Cameron Munster has recalled the shattering moment he was told his father Steve (pictured, left) had died following a sudden heart attack earlier this year
In camp ahead of this year’s Origin decider in Sydney, Munster received a call from his sister who gave him the heartbreaking news days before Game III at Accor Stadium on July 9
After grieving with his family, a determined Munster returned to Sydney and helped the Maroons clinch the series (pictured, with Tom Dearden)
‘You’re taking the p**s, like, you’re joking, right? And then she’s like, “No, why would I be joking about this?” And I’m like, “You can’t be serious?”‘
Munster added his father’s diet ‘wasn’t great’ – but he always admired how the 58-year-old lived life on his own terms.
After grieving with his family, a determined Munster returned to Sydney – with his sister and mother, who were welcomed into Maroons camp with open arms.
‘(Coach) Billy (Slater) and Nate Myles did so many great things for my family,’ he said.
‘They flew them down. They came to the captain’s run. They (players and staff) all came and gave my sister and my mum hugs, made them feel appreciated.’
Munster also appreciated a number of NSW Blues’ stars reaching out to pass on their condolences.
‘It was pretty overwhelming for them to drop what they had to do for such a high-stakes game,’ he said.
‘It just shows the quality of people they are and the quality of people around the rugby league community. After that, the rest was history.’
With the interstate shield on the line, Queensland played like men possessed.
Inspired by Munster, they silenced the 80,000 plus crowd after jumping out to a 20-0 lead at halftime, before running out eventual 12-point winners.
