Wife's revelation about Cameron Munster amid awful family news before Origin 3

Yahoo

a day ago

Just a few hours before news broke of the tragic death of Cameron Munster's father Steve, the Queensland State of Origin captain's wife had paid a touching tribute to Munster and the kind of dad that he is. Munster has taken leave from the Maroons camp ahead of Origin 3 on Wednesday night, but is still expected to play.
The Queensland captain has returned home to be with family following his father's death on Saturday night. Maroons coach Billy Slater made a statement to the media on Sunday morning surrounded by Munster's teammates.
"Unfortunately we woke to the sad news of the passing of Cameron Munster's father Steven Munster overnight," Slater said. "Cam will exit camp to be with his family before rejoining his team for the game on Wednesday.
"On behalf of myself, our footy team and the state of Queensland we send our thoughts, our love and condolences to Steven Munster's family and friends, in particular his wife Debbie, his daughter Danielle and of course his son Cameron."
Cameron was extremely close with his father, who shaped him into the man and dad he's become today. Munster shares three kids with wife Bianca, who had earlier revealed what Cameron is like as a dad behind closed doors.
"Our children are a real grounding factor for him," Bianca told. "Regardless of whether he's had a rough day, injured himself, or lost a grand final, he's still a dad. At the end of the day he comes home the same regardless of what's happened. He's an incredible father, and he'll be the first person to say he's a dad first and footballer second."
Speaking on Channel 9 on Monday morning, Queensland legend Cameron Smith lifted the lid on what Munster is going through. Smith lost his mother in 2024, while Slater's dad also passed away this year.
"Obviously devastating news for Cameron, and his mum and his sister," Smith said. "Losing a husband and a father is just tragic. I think it's a reminder that there are bigger things in life than a game of rugby league.
"I know the team has had to continue on business as usual. They had a training session yesterday. They've got to do their best to keep their minds on the job because this is a big game.
"But hearing Billy talk yesterday, they have given Cam enough time and space to deal with what he has to deal with over the next few days. They are giving him every opportunity to be available on Wednesday. Knowing Cameron quite well, and being the captain of Queensland, I'm sure he will want to be there with the team and play well on Wednesday."
Smith and Slater both know exactly what Munster is dealing with. "The one thing I've learnt - I lost my mother only 12 months ago - the world keeps moving unfortunately, as much as you want it to all stop," Smith added.
"As sad as it would be for them in camp at the moment, they've now got to try and refocus. They are all professionals and I'm sure they will go out there and do all Queenslanders proud."
RELATED:
Roosters half set to be axed after ugly loss to Wests Tigers
Family first as Panthers star withdraws from representative games
Just days before the passing of his father, Munster spoke of his desire to lead Queensland to what would be a historic victory if they can prevail in Sydney on Wednesday night. No Maroons side in 45 years has lost the first game of the series and won the next two away from home, but their victory in Perth in Game 2 put them closer to the historic feat.
Terribly sad news out of the Maroons camp this morning - Cameron Munster's father Steven has passed away overnight. Flanked by the team, Billy Slater confirmed the Qld captain has exited camp to be with his family. Condolences & love being sent to the Munster's @abcsport @abcnews
— Jessica Stewart (@Jess_Stewart16) July 6, 2025
Melbourne Storm wishes to offer its deepest condolences to the Munster family following the passing of Cameron's father Steve overnight.Sending all our thoughts and prayers at this incredibly difficult time 💜
— Melbourne Storm (@storm) July 6, 2025
The NSWRL would like to send our condolences to Cameron Munster and his family for their loss. pic.twitter.com/aTjmuz5eKL
— NSWBlues (@NSWBlues) July 6, 2025