Cameron Murray refuses to believe that he’s jinxed when playing for the Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues.
The fact a hamstring injury hovered around his 2020 Origin campaign, then an ankle problem in 2021 and now his right shoulder in 2022, would seem to suggest otherwise.
“It is no secret I’ve had those troubles and it is funny how they spring up around Origin time,” the South Sydney skipper told nswrl.com.au
“That’s the nature of the game – it’s high-level footy and it’s always a battle out there because it’s the pinnacle of our sport.”
Murray is quick to point out that his early return from a shoulder injury, when he played in the Rabbitohs 44-18 win over the Wests Tigers in NRL Round 12 action, was not motivated solely by his desire to play Origin.
“I wanted to get back as soon as I could for Souths – it just so happened it was the game before Freddy (Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler) named his team,” he said.
“I was happy with the team performance in that we executed our game plan so much better and my shoulder pulled up really good; great night all round.
“It’s definitely a skill in trying to manage injuries and you do get better at it with each one. They can be a little bit of a distraction.
“But I look at them at little obstacles to overcome because they are keeping me from playing the game I love.
“I tend to dig deep and narrow my focus, using the injury as motivation to get back out there.”
And now for his fourth Origin campaign after making his Blues debut in Game One 2019.
Murray has come off the bench for his first four matches but started all three for the 2021 series-winning performance.
“It’s my fourth year now and it’s still hard to put into words what Origin means to me,” he said.
“I suppose it’s something to do with having a great bunch of teammates rallying together to achieve something very special – there’s so much passion for your state in that mix.
“It’s an arena you’ve always looked up to as a kid because it just has that magnificent aura about it.”
Murray also likes the fact other sports look on in envy at the success of State of Origin.
“It’s something that’s so unique to Rugby League,” he said.
“And ever since I played my first game in 2019, I’ve had it on my goal list every year – to be back here because of how special it is.”
