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Munster a good fit as Qld fullback: Slater

3 minute read

Former Queensland fullback Billy Slater has lauded converted five-eighth Cameron Munster's performance in the role for Queensland in Origin III.

BILLY SLATER looks on during the Australian Kangaroos Rugby League World Cup training session at Langlands Park in Brisbane, Australia.
BILLY SLATER looks on during the Australian Kangaroos Rugby League World Cup training session at Langlands Park in Brisbane, Australia. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

For a five-eighth, Cameron Munster sure makes a pretty good fullback.

But NSW's James Tedesco showed why he is best No.1 in the game with a masterclass in the Blues' heart-stopping 26-20 win that sealed a second straight State of Origin series triumph on Wednesday.

Tedesco fittingly scored the match winner in the dying minutes to cap a stunning two-try display that earned him the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.

But at first Munster looked like he might steal the show.

Munster does not feature at fullback for NRL club Melbourne.

In fact the last time the Storm pivot last donned a No.1 jersey was back in 2018's opening round.

However, Munster showed why the likes of former Queensland skipper Cameron Smith believed fullback was the Melbourne NRL star's preferred position with a stand out performance for the Maroons.

"That was one of the best Origin performances I have seen, he should be proud of himself," former Queensland No.1 Billy Slater said of Munster, who stepped up for the injured Kalyn Ponga.

Yet somehow it wasn't enough.

Tedesco once again proved the difference as NSW sealed back to back series for the first time since 2005.

With the Blues seemingly on the rack trailing 8-2, they came to life after Tedesco's stunning 65-metre kick return.

A few plays later prop Paul Vaughan crashed over to help lock up the scores.

And after Queensland again threatened in the second half with Munster's brilliance, Tedesco again stood up.

Running off halfback Mitchell Pearce, Tedesco crashed over in the 61st minute to give the hosts the lead for the first time.

Then came the big moment.

The Maroons looked to have pulled off yet another comeback when they locked up the scores 20-20 in the dying moments.

Enter Tedesco.

After a Blake Ferguson sideline bust, Tedesco crashed over to send the 82,565 fans into raptures with less than a minute left on the clock.

In the end Tedesco ran 222m, had 10 tackle busts, four line breaks and he broke countless Maroons hearts.

"It was a pretty good feeling to score that try," Tedesco said.

"It was pretty special to win the series last year but to win it again is magic."

Munster ran 162m, had a line break and three tackle busts.

"It was pretty disappointing the way we finished. To be honest I thought we had them," Munster said.

"We were just a bit lazy there for one second and they can really hurt you but someone has to win and someone has to lose."

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