Slater backs Munster as Qld's No.1

Cameron Munster may have a target on his back after being named as Queensland No.1 for the State of Origin decider but Billy Slater says NSW should be nervous.

State of Origin

Billy Slater has backed Cameron Munster (pic) to succeed under the high ball against NSW. (AAP)

A bombing raid may be aimed at Cameron Munster but Queensland great Billy Slater says the new Maroons fullback will be the danger in Wednesday's State of Origin decider.

NSW coach Brad Fittler admitted the Blues would be "crazy" not to test Munster under the high ball at ANZ Stadium after the regular pivot was named in the Maroons No.1 jersey for the first time.

In fact it marks Melbourne star Munster's first outing at fullback since the 2018 NRL opening round.

Munster clearly has a target on his back after Queensland coach Kevin Walters rolled the dice and asked him to replace Maroons fullback Kalyn Ponga, who was ruled out with a calf complaint.

However, the man who is synonymous with the Maroons No.1 jersey - Slater - said NSW should be the ones feeling nervous.

"I'm really excited to see Cameron play fullback. It's his preferred position and his most dangerous position," retired Maroons great Slater said.

"I think he will take to it like a duck to water. He's that sort of guy - nothing fazes him.

"He will get the ball in his hands a lot more. He will be a lot more dangerous so it's only good for Queensland."

Munster may be known as a five-eighth but the Melbourne NRL star has played 48 of his 103 NRL games at fullback.

And Walters backed Munster to replicate his last game in the No.1 jersey back in the 2018 opener when the Storm X-factor had three try assists, two linebreaks and ran for 202m.

"Cameron is strong and athletic, a very aggressive type of player," he said.

"I know Cameron has been screaming out for an opportunity in the fullback position whether it be in the NRL or Origin.

"That excites me knowing he is looking forward to the opportunity."

Asked if he was concerned about Munster with the inevitable NSW air raid to come, Walters said: "They do that with everyone and he will be no different.

"But Cameron's a backyard player. He is one of those guys you pick in your team straight up because he's a football player.

"He's one of the first ones picked because he just loves competing and just with the work he does.

"He's done some extras around his training to manage the workload of a fullback - he's ready to go."


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Source: AAP


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Slater backs Munster as Qld's No.1 | SBS News