If there is someone who understands what Cameron Munster has experienced in the run-up to the decider of the state of origin, it is Queensland coach Billy Slater.
Slater knew that there was nothing that he could say to make everything better when he was in his room in Queensland Camp with Munster on Sunday, the day that the new Maroons captain of his father, Steven’s, heard suddenly death.
Munster then swore and there that, after having spent some time with his family, he would lead Queensland in Wednesday’s origin decisive – one of the largest matches of his career.
“He didn’t have many answers for many other things, but he gave me pretty right,” said Slater.
“It’s a huge game and he wants to be part of it.”
To give him as much time as possible with his family, the Maroons Munster booked on a separate flight that would take him to Sydney on time for Tuesday afternoon Captain’s Run in Sydney’s Olympic Stadium.
“I can’t wait to give him a hug,” said Slater for Munster’s reunion with the team.
“Of course he has been pretty upset in recent days, but I think he was the last few days where he had to be, and that is with his mother and his sister.”
Billy Slater and Cameron Munster during a press conference in Perth before Game One. ((AAP -Image: Dan Himbrechts))
Slater understood the best he could do for Munster who was in his room on Sunday, was to be there as a partner and to give him all the time he needed with family.
The coach knew that because he lost his own father, Ronnie, earlier this year.
“There are no real words that solve all this,” said Slater.
“Unfortunately there is no switch [to flick].
“I did not treat this as a coach, but I tackled it as a person. I lost my father in January. I know what it is like and Cam is an inspiration for many people.
“He is a hero for many people in Queensland. I can only imagine that his father would have been his first inspiration and his first hero. He would hurt now.”
That is why Slater knows that Wednesday evening is the time for the Maroons to appear for Munster, just when he appeared for his teammates who led them to victory against the opportunities in Origin II.
“She needs their skipper on Wednesday evening,” said Slater.
“I am sure it will give them a huge boost, to see their partner going through something that you only walk through once in your life, your father loses. I am sure it will have a huge impact on them.”
Slater has already seen his senior players who led the group with Aplomb in the absence of Munster.
It was a blessing for the group to have Josh Papalii, the Canberra -Prop, called from representative retirement to breathe new life into the forward package.
“It’s a feeling, with” Dad, “said Slater about the impact of the veteran on the team.
‘The best way I could describe it is that it is probably a calmness. Big Tino [Fa’asuamaleaui] Has been like a small puppy dog, who followed him all week. “
MONKEY
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