Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster has opened up on how coach Craig Bellamy saved his NRL career.
Now one of both the Storm and Queensland's most important players just days out from the Origin opener, the 24-year old nearly went down the wrong path in 2017.
Munster was sent home from the Kangaroos 2017 World Cup camp after reportedly getting into a fight with teammate Ben Hunt.
And upon returning to Melbourne, Munster said Bellamy delivered one of the almighty sprays that rang through to him.
“I was going to be sacked to be completely honest with you,” Munster told Fox Sports.
“I won’t sugar coat it. After 2017 I was pretty much shown the door but Bellyache (Bellamy) showed faith in me.
“He said ‘I like him, I want to keep him’. He’s the main reason I am there - I am forever in his debt.”
Munster said Bellamy's influence was a big reason why he re-signed with the Storm four four years.
“Everyone calls him (Bellamy) my dad. I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me,” Munster said.
“I owe everything to Melbourne. That was the reason I decided to stay for the next four years (Munster re-signed in November).”
The rejuvenated five-eighth has a new outlook on life, translating to the best footy of his career.
“You can’t trust everyone. I have focused on who my really close friends are and close family,” Munster said.
“I have taken a step back and changed my ways in everything that I have done.
“Being from a country town like Rockhampton you can get away with a lot more, be a bit of a larrikin and a silly bugger.
“I just wasn’t aware of my surroundings. When I was out and about I just didn’t care, my attitude probably stunk so that’s something I have really cleaned up.”
