Cameron Munster happy to lead Queensland into Origin battle

Cameron Munster has played just four games for Queensland, but says he’ll accept the captaincy if offered ahead of the State of Origin opener next month.

A new Maroons captain will be named this year following the retirement of Greg Inglis, and Cameron Smith’s insistence his representative days are over.

Munster’s name has been thrown in the ring by some past players while other pundits say club captains Daley Cherry-Evans and Michael Morgan would be safer options. 

Melbourne five-eighth Munster said he had long-term ambitions to lead his state but added he wouldn’t turn down the role this year.

“It’s a tough one. If I got asked to do it I would be more than happy to put my hand up but I feel like I just want to worry about playing some decent footy and consistent footy,” Munster said on Fox Sports.

“I don’t know if the captaincy would take my mind of playing my kind of footy but it would be a nice aspiration for myself in the long term when I get a bit older.

“At the moment I’m not even in the leadership group with the Storm so I feel like I’m just a little bit behind at this stage, but I wouldn’t say no to the job if I was given it and I’d do my best.”

Newcastle young gun Kalyn Ponga has thrived since switching back from five-eighth to fullback in round three and wants another Queensland cap after debuting as as utility last year. 

“I’ve got to work hard to put myself in the contention, nothing is guaranteed.” Ponga said.

“If I get in that arena, whatever role I have, I’ve just got to be confident, I took that out of last year and will take it into this year, I just want to own my role.”