NSW Blues winger Brian To'o pays tribute to Cameron Munster's late father during Origin decider

7NEWS

10-07-2025

NSW winger Brian To'o has been lauded for a classy gesture towards opposition captain Cameron Munster during the State of Origin decider on Wednesday night.
To'o paid tribute to the Maroons skipper's late father, who died in the leadup to game three, by writing Steven Munster's name on his arm tape before the game.
The Penrith star later shared a video of his forearm, taken pre-match, which showed the message among a number of other personal details he carried with him onto Accor Stadium.
Steven's name was written and underlined next to a religious cross and a love heart.
'No weapon formed against me. Go time baby. Rest in love Steven Munster,' To'o captioned the video.
The classy act didn't go unnoticed from fans, who celebrated To'o's thoughtfulness.
'Brian To'o isn't just my favourite player for his on-field performances, it's stuff like this which is why I love this dude so much,' one Panthers fan said.
'Cameron Munster was his rival last night and he still wrote Cam's dads name on his wrist tape.
'Pure class right here, rest in peace Steven Munster.'
Munster's rollercoaster of emotions came bubbling to the surface after a sad and ultimately inspiring week for the Queensland captain.
After the death of his dear father Steven in the days before the State of Origin decider in Sydney, Munster led the Maroons to a 24-12 win in what was his finest hour as a footballer.
The 29-year-old wiped away tears as he embraced his coach Billy Slater post-match. The bravery and strength of character shown by Munster to play was an inspiration to his coach and also to his teammates who all lifted to a man.
Munster was interviewed by his childhood hero Darren Lockyer on Nine after the game and all the feelings of his turbulent week spilled out.
'Look, it's a tough one, like a high of emotions. When someone loses someone, you forget about it sometimes, but then it brings back memories,' Munster said.
'I just want to say thank you to all of the rugby league community, they've been outstanding.
'I've had so much support and text messages from not only rugby league (people). Family is more important than anything, and a lot of people showed that the last couple of days and really got behind me.'
Munster has grieved with his family this week and singled them out for being rocks of support.
'Thank you to my mum, my sister, my partner Bianca and the kids for getting behind me this weekend,' Munster said.
'I know it's been a tough time, but that's life.
'I just want to appreciate everyone that's been around me and made this week so special. We'll enjoy tonight and I can't wait to obviously go next year and hopefully see what we can do.'
Munster has received great support from his Maroons teammates but also from his Blues opponents, which clearly moved him.
'I'd just like to thank the NSW Blues, Isaah (Yeo), Nathan (Cleary), Laurie Daley and all the coaching staff and all the players,' Munster said at the official presentation.
'I really appreciate some of you reaching out to me during the week. It just shows how good rugby league is.
'Family's bigger than the sport. Thank you for rallying behind me. It doesn't go unnoticed. I'm in awe of all you guys and you'll be back bigger and better next year.'
Munster's two performances as captain of the Maroons don't get any better.
He was man of the match in the 26-24 win in game two in Perth to keep the series alive and then played a controlled, disciplined and also dangerous role in the decider.
His kicking display was as good as any in his 21-game Origin career.