LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Cameron Munster, a star player for the Melbourne Storm, draws inspiration from his late father, who consistently called him before important matches, encouraging him to trust himself and avoid "stupid penalties."
Now standing just one game away from NRL grand final success, this time feels different for Munster.
He experienced the loss of his father, Steven Munster, at the age of 58 during this year's State of Origin series, where he heroically led Queensland to victory.
This Sunday, he aims to replicate that success with the Melbourne Storm in the NRL grand final against the Brisbane Broncos in Sydney.
Although his father won't be there to support him, Munster will have his proud mother, Debbie, and younger sister, Danielle Kersnovske, alongside his loving wife, Bianca, and their three children cheering him on.
"I'll be very nervous [in the crowd], but I'll sit there and continue to chew my nails that I don't have any of and I get myself into such a state it puts my blood pressure through the roof," he admitted.
While Debbie will be among the 80,000 fans in attendance, Danielle plans to pace nervously around her lounge room in Sarina, North Queensland.
"I hope we put 40 [points] on them," joked Ms. Kersnovske.