Melbourne Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has been ruled out of this weekend’s round 19 NRL match against the Newcastle Knights, as the club grants him personal leave in the wake of his father’s recent passing.
Munster's father, Chris, tragically passed away just days before the 2025 State of Origin decider, making it an emotional week for the Storm and Maroons number six.
Despite the personal heartbreak, Munster chose to take the field for Queensland in Origin III, showing courage and commitment in what may be one of the greatest victories of his career - as well as that of the Queensland Maroons.
The Maroons, against all odds, sealed the 2025 Origin series, but Munster’s emotional resilience was a focal point in the post-match discussions with touching photos showing coach Billy Slater tearfully embracing a exhausted Munster.
MORE: Munster reflects on tragic week leading up to Origin decider
Slater praised the playmaker for his bravery and professionalism during such a difficult period, acknowledging the toll it must have taken on him to compete under such circumstances.
Following Origin, Munster returned briefly to Melbourne but has now been officially granted time away from the game by the Storm to be with his family and mourn his loss properly, while his teammates make the trek to Newcastle to take on the Knights.
The Storm are set to make adjustments to their first choice spine in his absence, with Tyran Wishart expected to remain starting at five-eighth, after being a able replacement across the Storms spine in the past when they have had their stars missing.
Munster’s absence is a significant one, as the 30-year-old remains one of the most influential players in the NRL, and the Storm are currently fighting for another minor premiership, sitting just two points behind the ladder-leading Canberra Raiders.
There has been no official indication yet as to whether the Storm’s other State of Origin representatives will back up, or if Munster will definitely return to the field in Round 20.