Munster and Dearden Win Prestigious queensland awards
- FOGS
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Cameron Munster and Tom Dearden have been recognised with prestigious awards named in honour of two of Queensland’s finest contributors to State of Origin.
Maroons skipper Munster received the FOGS Peter Jackson Memorial Award for his brave and inspirational heroics in the 2-1 Origin series win by Queensland this year.
His halves partner Dearden was magnificent in victories in Perth and Sydney and took out the Ron McAuliffe Medal as the Maroons’ player of the series. The Queensland half had already received the Wally Lewis Medal, presented to the best player on either side in the Origin series.
The late Peter Jackson played 16 Origin matches for the Maroons, with his display in 1988 at the SCG filling in for the injured Lewis one of his all-time great performances in a win against the odds.
The award named after him is presented to the person who makes the greatest contribution to the Queensland Origin squad each year.
Munster epitomised the Jackson spirit when he played a magnificent role in the 24-12 win in the Origin decider in Sydney just four days after his father Steven Munster had died. Munster left Sunshine Coast camp on the Sunday to grieve with his family in Central Queensland before returning to lead his team with passion and pride.
Queensland chairman of selectors Gene Miles, also FOGS Executive Chairman, said Munster was an inspiration to all of his teammates and the state.
“It was so emotional too. He had to leave camp and go home and be with his mum and family,” Miles said.
“After spending a few days there he came back into camp and switched on for a footy match.
“In hindsight that proved a great inspiration to the team to see what he did and how he wanted to play from day one.
“I have no doubt they got together and said ‘let’s make it a bit easier for him’ and to a man they all performed out of their skins.”
Munster has a larrikin streak in him like Jackson did when he wore the Maroons jersey with pride.
“Jacko would be so happy that Munster has earned the Peter Jackson Award. He is a clone of Jacko,” Miles grinned.
“Jacko used to do the things Munster does these days. He is a larrikin and that was Jacko to a tee.
“They have both loved a good time leading up to matches and in the camps. Jacko was the life of the party and I am sure Munster has got that title too even though he is the skipper.
Munster’s display in the decider backed up his man of the match performance in the 26-24 win in Perth after he was installed as captain in place of Daly Cherry-Evans.
“We have come to expect that from the Munster. He deserves that role as captain,” Miles said.
The late Ron McAuliffe, a highly respected former senator, was boss of the QRL and a key figure in ensuring the Maroons remained strong in the early years of Origin football. He was a no-nonsense administrator and made sure NSW did not get the upper hand over Queensland in any area.
Dearden, who replaced Cherry-Evans in Perth after coming off the bench in the first match of the series, was a clear player of the series to win the medal. Energetic, tough, creative, decisive and organised – Dearden was all that and more.
“We had to find a spot for Tom. He was so good for us the previous series. We had to look to the future too because we need a halfback beyond DCE. Tommy did everything we expected of him. He transitioned straight in.”
The Maroons have been blessed with long-term halfbacks of class such as Mark Murray, Allan Langer, Johnathan Thurston, Cooper Cronk and Cherry-Evans.
Now Dearden is set to follow in their illustrious footsteps.
“We have always had great stocks at No.7. We haven’t struggled,” Miles said.
“There was no debate about who was going to slot in there after DCE. It was always going to be Tommy.
“It was disappointing for him to not have a starting spot in Game One but No.14 was a great fit for him. He is a starter every day of the week and will be the next five to 10 years.”
Both Munster and Dearden were rewarded for their stellar Origin series with spots on the Kangaroo tour of England, the first three-Test Ashes series since 2003.
