LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Despite battling the flu in the lead up to the Pacific Championships Test against New Zealand, Kangaroos five-eighth Cameron Munster was determined to play and never considered missing the match.
Munster's fears of losing his spot to teammate Nicho Hynes drove his decision to take the field.
Munster played a crucial role in the Kangaroos' 36-18 victory at AAMI Park, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team.
The Kangaroos will face the Kiwis again in the final of the Pacific Championships series, and Munster's admission sheds light on the competitive nature within the team.
Speaking ahead of the final, Munster acknowledged that his selfish reasons played a part in his determination to play in the previous Test, as he did not want to risk losing his position to Hynes.
Hynes, who impressed coach Mal Meninga during his cameo off the bench in his debut Test appearance, received praise from NRL great Michael Ennis for his versatility.
Despite Hynes' impressive performance, Meninga has decided to revert back to his first-choice squad for the final, with Hynes returning to the role of 18th man.
Munster's concerns about losing his spot to Hynes highlight the competitive nature of rugby league and the pressure players face to perform consistently.
Munster's dedication to the team and his determination to maintain his position demonstrate his commitment to the Kangaroos and his desire to contribute to their success.
It is clear that Munster's decision to play through illness was driven by his fear of being replaced by Hynes, who showed promise in his debut Test appearance.
This admission adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming final between the Kangaroos and the Kiwis, as both players will be eager to prove their worth and secure their positions in the team.