Cameron Munster leaves Origin camp after the sad death of his father, Steven

Queensland Maroons coach Billy Slater has revealed the sad news that Cameron Munster's father, Steven, has passed away.

Munster will leave camp to be with his family before rejoining the team for Origin III.

"On behalf of myself, our footy team, and the state of Queensland, we send our thoughts, our love and our condolences to Steven Munster's family and friends," Slater said on Sunday morning.

READ MORE: Why teen giant turned his back on an Origin icon

READ MORE: Elliott lifts lid on 'new norm' for pregnant players

READ MORE: Djokovic equals Federer record at Wimbledon as Demon fights on

"In particular his wife, Debbie, his daughter Danielle, and of course his son Cameron."

Munster's former teammate, Cameron Smith, described the news as "devastating".

"It's always sad when you lose a parent. I lost my mother only 12 months ago so I know exactly how Cam would be feeling at the moment," he said on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"It's great to see that the team is a united front still and unfortunately in our sport the world keeps moving. They've got a job to do and to prepare for the game on Wednesday and knowing Cameron quite personally, I think he'll want to go out there and play for his father."

Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Slater's speech was delivered with the whole Queensland team standing behind him.

Former NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler predicted a sterling performance from the five-eighth.

"He seems to rise when there's a challenge in front of him and there's no greater challenge at the moment ... I'm sure his dad loved that his son was the captain of Queensland and I've got to say this puts another twist on State of Origin and Cameron Munster's career," he said.

"We all wish him all the best."