Munster joins all-Storm Origin spine

Melbourne's Cameron Munster has been confirmed as Queensland's five-eighth for next Wednesday's State of Origin decider.

Cameron Munster

Cameron Munster has been confirmed as Queensland's five-eighth for the State of Origin decider. (AAP)

Queensland will boast a one-club spine for the first time in 23 years after opting for debutant Cameron Munster over Michael Morgan as five-eighth for next week's State of Origin series decider.

They will have to buck Origin's 37-year history as Queensland have never won a series using three different halves combinations.

But the Maroons hope Melbourne NRL pivot Munster can help them defy the record books and extend their dynasty at Wednesday night's Origin III in Brisbane.

He'll link with hooker Cameron Smith, fullback Billy Slater and halfback Cooper Cronk - the same spine he plays with at the Storm.

It will mark Origin's first one-club spine since Brisbane dominated the Maroons' game two team in 1994.

The 22-year-old Munster will replace Johnathan Thurston (shoulder) in the Queensland No.6 jersey also made famous by Wally Lewis and Darren Lockyer - Munster's idol.

North Queensland playmaker Morgan will now slot into the unfamiliar position of left centre in place of Darius Boyd (thumb), setting up a clash with NSW strike weapon Josh Dugan.

Morgan did not see it as a risk to blood Munster at five-eighth as Queensland vie for their 11th series win in 12 years.

"I don't think it is a gamble," he said.

"It makes sense with his combination with the Melbourne guys to have him here."

Morgan was expected to be handed the No.6 jersey after spending his first seven games on the Maroons bench.

But he had no problem lining up in the centres despite never playing there in his 116-game NRL career.

"I still feel pretty privileged to be in this team, so in no way am I disappointed," Morgan said.

"Obviously I do prefer playing in the halves but from a team point of view I completely understand the decision.

"Centre is a lot more individually focused. It gives me a chance to focus more on my own game."

That will start with defence after earning a showdown with Dugan.

"Against Josh Dugan, who is a very good attacking player and a big body as well, the one-on-one defence has to be good," Morgan said.

"That's where the biggest challenge will be and I have confidence in the guys around me to help."

Morgan still did not rule out spending time in the five-eighth role on Wednesday night, saying Walters had left the door open for them to rotate in the position.

Munster ran through his paces as pivot at training for the first time at Queensland's Gold Coast camp on Thursday.

The Maroons will be attempting to become the first team since NSW in 1990 to win a series with three different halves combinations.

Melbourne back-rower Felise Kaufusi will join Queensland's Gold Coast camp as 18th man after the Storm's NRL clash with Parramatta on Saturday.

Brisbane rake Andrew McCullough has again been asked to join Maroons training along with Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor.


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Source: AAP



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