Queensland coach Wayne Bennett was being told he’d go into this year’s State of Origin series without Cameron Munster.
Multiple people warned Bennett the Melbourne star, having pushed through the NRL finals series with a ligament concern in his right knee, would withdraw from the end of year interstate battle.
Losing the five-eighth would have been a setback to a Maroons backline already missing Kalyn Ponga, Michael Morgan, Moses Mbye and the suspended Valentine Holmes.
But the one person who never indicated he’d be withdrawing was Munster himself.
Instead the 26-year-old will soldier on over the next three weeks in an attempt to help the inexperienced Maroons avoid a third-straight Origin series defeat.
“He was one guy that just reminded me how important it is to play for Queensland,” Bennett said.
“He had all the excuses in the world not to come here and I kept getting feedback from different people that he wouldn’t make himself available, but he never had that conversation with me.
“He turned up and he’s happy to be here and we’re really happy to have him.
“Just shows his commitment, as with all the other boys here, what it means for them to play Origin and play for their state.”
Bennett said his own situation was similar to Munster’s, answering Queensland’s call for help for a fourth stint coaching the Maroons after Kevin Walters’ exit a month out from the series when he was appointed as Brisbane’s new NRL coach.
“I didn’t have to do it,” seven-time premiership-winning coach Bennett said.
“Queensland, you know, it’s a great state, we have a great history here in sport and I thought, they’re in a bit of a tough place, I’ll make myself available.
“I didn’t put my hand up, I got asked but I’m more than pleased that I’ve taken the job and more than happy to be here.”
As to whether Bennett will continue in the role beyond this year, the 70-year-old said it’s too early to say.
“Let’s get through this series and see what all goes and how it all works,” he said.
Queensland will travel to Adelaide on Wednesday for Game I, which kicks off at 8.10pm AEDT.
Centres pairing Brenko Lee (calf) and Luke Capewell (groin) are both expected to debut despite struggling with injury in Tuesday’s captain’s run.
