Cooper Cronk's genius on display in pre-match call on Cameron Munster
Cooper Cronk has shown why he is considered to have one of the most astute minds in rugby league after he predicted how Maroons star Cameron Munster would tear up the Blues in State of Origin game I.
Munster terrorised the NSW defence all night on Wednesday and was rightfully praised for his man-of-the-match performance in Queensland's 16-10 victory.
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The Blues face a tough task overcome a near 30-year hoodoo to retain the State of Origin shield after going down to the Maroons in a frenetic series-opener.
But before a ball was even kicked, Maroons great Cronk predicted Munster's performance in a brilliant piece of commentary.
On Tuesday, Cronk said Munster's early actions would determine whether it would be a long night for the Blues' defence or not.
“He takes the line on, and if you think about all of his good games he has done that historically," Cronk said on NRL 360.
“The thing about Munster is when the defenders are sort of three or four spots away, and they think they aren’t under threat, well you are."
“Because Munster can throw a big dummy, bounce off his left foot twice, the next minute he goes through."
And his prediction came to fruition.
In the 49th minute, Munster made a decisive line break after peppering the Blues' defence.
Just like Cronk said, Munster stepped off his left foot a number of times before slicing through the line.
A few plays later Daly Cherry-Evans went over to make it 12-4 to the visitors.
NSW never recovered as Munster continued to probe the Blues' defensive line.
The five-eighth's elusiveness earned him man-of-the-match honours in the opening game of the series.
Cameron Munster shuts down Gus Gould
Munster was also on his game in his post-match interview with the Channel Nine commentary team.
Veteran commentator, and former NSW coach, Gus Gould asked Munster about the two remaining games in what could have been an attempt of mind games.
"In terms of the series, that’s a massive victory to win here in Sydney in game one. You now win game three (in Brisbane) regardless of the game two result and you’ve got that in Queensland," Gould asked.
"Come on, Gus. Come on, Gus," Munster said.
"I’m just being serious. It’s a massive win in terms of the series," Gould said.
Munster wasn't having any of it and shut down Gould's mind games.
"It’s a leg in the door but I remember when we did that, I think a couple of years ago, we won the first game and then lost two in a row so we know the Blues are going to come out there in Perth and play a really good style of footy and chance their arm in the game because they’re obviously down 1-0," Munster said.
Despite not getting to Munster, Gould was alluding to the monumental task NSW face to retain the State of Origin shield.
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