LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Cameron Munster puts on a Storm masterclass to expose Nicho Hynes' brutal reality in a staggering NRL finals act.
The Sharks coach's doubts about Hynes stepping up were quickly put to rest as Munster stole the show in Melbourne's dominant finals victory over Cronulla.
The Storm's 37-10 win not only earned them a precious week off but also brought them within striking distance of a grand final appearance.
Right from the get-go, Munster made his intentions clear by leaving the Sharks' defence in disarray with a clever dummy before scoring the opening try of the game.
The 30-year-old continued to wreak havoc on Cronulla's backline throughout the match, breaking tackles left and right and racking up a jaw-dropping 174 running metres from 22 carries.
Even the seasoned Storm coach, Craig Bellamy, couldn't hide his surprise at Munster's phenomenal performance.
"It wasn't part of the game plan, but seeing Munster take charge like that was a sight to behold," Bellamy marveled.
"He seemed to have had a few extra Red Bulls before the game, constantly running with the ball and being incredibly effective.
His leadership shone through, and he really made a significant impact."
Bellamy also commended Munster's defensive efforts, something that is not always highlighted in his game.
"We all know Munster's flair with the ball, but his defensive game tonight was exceptional.
He not only ran and set things up as expected but also held his ground defensively.
It was a complete performance from him."
In conclusion, Munster's exceptional display on the field not only solidified the Storm's dominance but also highlighted the stark reality for Hynes, proving that when the pressure is on in big games, only the truly elite players can rise to the occasion.