Storm coach Craig Bellamy has labelled the record-breaking Anzac Day thumping by Souths as the most embarrassing game of his long and decorated NRL career. And it’s raised fresh questions around the underwhelming form of Cameron Munster, with many fans insisting the Maroons skipper shouldn’t be picked for State of Origin.
Munster had another poor game by his standards but he wasn’t alone as Melbourne were blown off the park to suffer their first ever defeat to the Rabbitohs on home soil. Man-of-the-match Latrell Mitchell was superb as the Bunnies broke a 28-year hoodoo in Melbourne. It was also the Storm’s worst result at AAMI Park and the first time Bellamy’s side have suffered six consecutive defeats during his 23 seasons in charge.
Fresh questions have been raised about Cameron Munster’s (R) Origin spot at the Maroons after another underwhelming display in the Storm’s record loss to Souths (L). Pic: Getty
“Probably the most embarrassed I’ve ever been in my footy life, to play like that tonight,” a clearly frustrated Bellamy said about the result post-game. “The opposition played really well, but to come up with a performance like that and a lack of effort like that on Anzac Day is embarrassing.”
Alex Johnston extended his all-time try scoring record with two of his side’s five tries in the opening 40 minutes to help the ruthless Bunnies take a 24-0 lead at halftime. Mitchell had a hand in both and the Storm were unable to contain the Rabbitohs powerhouse or his impressive supporting cast of teammates.
Melbourne had zero line-breaks compared to Souths’ eight in the first half and the home side made a whopping seven handling errors – two that resulted in tries. Things didn’t get much better after the break and Melbourne’s woes were summed up when Tallis Duncan made Munster look second rate in defence to score his second of three tries on the night.
Cameron Munster’s poor form sparks Origin axing calls
Munster was left flapping at thin air after trying to put a shot on Duncan close to his try line. The Rabbitohs forward barged off the Storm superstar and darted past Jack Howarth to extend South Sydney’s massive lead.
The Maroons superstar also failed to get anything going in attack for the Storm, who had to wait until the 69th minute to record their first line break. Sua Faalogo regathered his own short kick-off to split the defence and score a brilliant individual try in a rare bright spot for the Storm.
But it was Munster’s continued form slump that had fans talking after the game, with many claiming he is not playing anywhere near well enough to be picked in Billy Slater’s Maroons side. The Queensland skipper all but admitted as much in the lead-up to Saturday night’s big loss.
Maroons captain Cameron Munster (centre) admitted his recent form at Melbourne had not been up to standard, and many fans believe he doesn’t deserve to be picked for Origin. Pic: Getty
(Cameron Spencer via Getty Images)
“Hopefully, I don’t get the boot like Chez (Cherry-Evans) did after his one loss last year,” Munster said about former Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans’ Origin axing in 2025. “So I’m looking forward to going out there and hopefully playing some good footy because at the moment, I haven’t been doing that.”
Munster’s display in the thrashing by the Rabbitohs has only heightened scrutiny around the Maroons skipper, who does always seems to lift at Origin level regardless of his club form. But with rival five-eighth Ezra Mam coming into some superb form at the under-strength Broncos and Cherry-Evans finding his groove at the red-hot Roosters, many fans believe Munster’s Origin spot is under serious threat.
with AAP