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Cameron Munster is determined to lead his team out during Wednesday night's State of Origin decider, despite receiving the sudden and tragic news that his father, Steven, had passed away over the weekend.
On Sunday, Queensland coach Billy Slater announced the news to members of the press, stating that the Maroons five-eighth was traveling back to see his family in Central Queensland.
Munster was in camp with the squad and was heading for a coffee when he learned that his father had died, according to The Courier Mail.
The Melbourne Storm star broke down in tears upon hearing the news and his team-mates gathered around him to support their captain.
It is understood that he then met with Slater straight, where he affirmed his intent to lead his team out for Wednesday's Origin decider at the Accor Stadium.
The 30-year-old Maroons star then left the camp and headed home to see his family, while the rest of the squad travelled to the Sunshine Coast Stadium for a training session.
Queensland captain Cameron Munster is mourning the passing of his father, Steven, who died suddenly over the weekend (pictured: Steven Munster, left, Cameron, central, and his mother Deborah, right)
Munster learned of the heartbreaking news while in Maroons camp this weekend and travelled home to see his family on Sunday
His dad, Steven (right), had been Munster's biggest supporters, and travelled up and down the country watching his son play, alongside his partner, Deborah (centre)
Upon arriving at the venue, Slater delivered a statement to members of the media after the Munster family had given the Queensland coach permission to make the news public knowledge.
In a heartwarming show of support to their captain and his family, the team gathered around Slater as he issued his condolences.
'Unfortunately, we woke to the sad news of the passing of Cameron Munster’s father, Steven Munster, overnight,' Slater said.
'Cam will exit camp to be with his family before re-joining his team for the game on Wednesday.
'On behalf of myself, our footy team and the state of Queensland, we send our thoughts, our love and condolences to Steven Munster’s family and friends, in particular his wife Debbie, his daughter Danielle and of course his son Cameron.'
New South Wales and Munster's club side, Melbourne Storm, have also both spoken on the heartbreaking news.
'New South Wales Rugby League and the NSW Blues are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Queensland captain Cameron Munster's father, Steve,' a statement from NSW read.
'We would like to send our condolences to Cameron and his family during this difficult time.'
The footy star has stated he will lead the Maroons out for their State of Origin decider this Wednesday against New South Wales
Munster's team-mates have also rallied around him, with Storm team-mate, Harry Grant (third from left) lauding the Queensland skipper (second from left) for his bravery
Munster's father is understood to have been battling health issues for some time after having been diagnosed with diabetes.
'Mum has high blood pressure and Dad has had diabetes for a long time,' Munster said, speaking on his parents during the COVID-19 pandemic back in 2020. 'If either one of them was to get (sick) they would be in serious trouble. Dad has had diabetes for a long time, he’s not the best at looking after himself with it.'
It is understood Steven had suddenly on Saturday night.
Broncos star Reece Walsh has filled in for Munster in the five-eighth role during his absence, with the 30-year-old playmaker expected to return to camp on Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday's clash in Sydney.
Now, members of the Maroons squad have opened up on how they plan to honour Steven and support the Munster family during this week's huge match.
Munster's Storm team-mate Harry Grant explained that the team will gather around their captain and endeavour to beat their rivals, New South Wales.
'The best way we can support him [Cameron] is by throwing our arm around him and ultimately with our performance and our preparation,' Grant said.
'What we can control is our performance and that’s the best way to pay our respects to the family.
Munster (left) is expected to return to Queensland camp on Tuesday, ahead of the match at the Accor Stadium
'There’s plenty of motivation for us as Queenslanders to make Queensland proud.
'This is another thing for us to be able to wrap our arms around our mate and make him and his family proud as well.'
Munster was handed the captaincy for State of Origin II after Manly veteran Daly Cherry-Evans was dropped by Slater following Queensland's State of Origin I defeat at Suncorp Stadium.
The Storm five-eighth produced a man-of-the-match performance, leading his team to an epic two-point victory against New South Wales, to set up Wednesday night's blockbuster clash in Sydney.
Munster was again lauded by Grant, who paid homage to the 30-year-old's strength and bravery in choosing to play in the upcoming game.
'When you think about it, Cameron Munster captaining Queensland brings so much pride to the whole of his family and ‘Stevie-boy’ would love to see him out there in the Maroon, captaining his state,' Grant added.
'I think it is very brave the way he is handling the situation. We have to respect the way he is handling it and respect the way he is doing things and give him that time and space to flick the mindset to Queensland Maroons, Origin and what is around the corner.'
'It is a show of character from Cameron and also to his family. Ultimately he wants to lace the boots up and wear the maroon and make his family proud.
'It shows the strength of character of Cam and who he is and, more importantly, how much the maroon means to him and his family.
