The age-old injury crisis angle has already begun in Queensland camp, with superstar five-eighth Cameron Munster dealing with a rib issue prior to the State of Origin opener.
The 28-year-old has been in solid form for Melbourne this season, but has been carrying a broken rib and cartilage injuries in recent weeks heading into the first game at Adelaide Oval.
Munster has been selected in the No.6 jumper for the Maroons and is expected to line up for his 16th Origin appearance on May 31st.
The playmaker told News Corp that he will be fit to pull on the Queensland jumper against the Blues, despite the lingering issues caused in a clash with Manly.
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“When I played against Manly, I fractured my rib and I’ve been getting referred pain to my ribs around the back, so I’ve been jabbing up [with painkillers] and playing on," Munster said.
“I’m not the only bloke in the game that’s carrying injuries and playing footy, so it’s part of the trade.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of blokes who are in contention for Origin who are underdone or worse for wear, but once you put that jersey on, the pain all goes away and you try and do your best for the state.”
Is Cameron Munster injured?
According to head coach Craig Bellamy, the five-eighth has been dealing with minor injuries in recent weeks, but they haven't impacted his performances for the Storm.
“He’s had a couple of injuries – only slight ones that don’t stop him playing, but they affect him earlier in the week," he said.
"I think going into Origin and having that longer break now, he will have 10 days off, I think that will do him the world of good.
"I’m not going to say, but he’s had a couple of slight injuries – I don’t want to Billy [Slater] ringing me up saying we are giving NSW guys a bit of ammunition.
"They haven’t been major, but they certainly affect him at training… he’s getting through okay. These next 10 days will be good for him."
Will Cameron Munster play for Queensland?
At this stage, Munster is expected to take his spot in the State of Origin opener, despite dealing with an ongoing rib injury suffered a number of weeks ago while playing for the Storm.
Munster addressed the injury concerns heading into Game 1 during a media conference in Queensland camp, but isn't concerned about getting any extra attention from the opposition.
“They always target me, so it’s no different to anything," he said.
"I’m a little halfback that gets flogged around a little bit… they will be out there to get me, so bring it on.
“I’m alright – I just need to eat a little bit more cement, I’m carrying on a little bit.
"I probably put my foot in it [by revealing the injury] but at the end of the day, that’s something I do most of the time in my life.
"I probably got a little bit of a rocket from the coaching staff about giving details away – I’ll just make sure I keep my mouth shut."
Munster hasn't missed a game since Round 3 while he was sidelined with a broken finger.
QLD Maroons Game 1 confirmed team
1. Reece Walsh
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Valentine Holmes
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Murray Taulagi
6. Cameron Munster
7. Daly Cherry-Evans
8. Tom Flegler
9. Ben Hunt
10. Lindsay Collins
11. Tom Gilbert
12. David Fifita
13. Patrick Carrigan
14. Harry Grant
15. Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
16. Reuben Cotter
17. Jai Arrow
Reserves: Tom Dearden, Christian Welch
