Cameron Munster Dodges Hip-Drop Charge and Opens Up About Penrith Rival’s Jibe That Really Stung

Cameron Munster has avoided a hip-drop charge and has shared a savage sledge from Penrith opponent Liam Martin amid their ongoing rivalry.

During Thursday night’s match, the Storm star was put on report by referee Adam Gee after making contact with the back of Martin’s leg while attempting to tackle the backrower.

Although Martin appeared to be injured as a result of the tackle, the match review committee clarified on Friday that they had no issues with Munster’s actions.

Numerous commentators noted during the game that Munster’s hip had made contact with the ground prior to Martin’s ankle rolling underneath him, indicating that the tackle was not illegal.

“I aimed to wrap my arm around his legs, but the pitch was quite slippery,” Munster explained to Nine after the match.

“It didn’t appear great, but I believe I wasn’t putting all my weight onto his legs; I felt I tried to wrap my arm around him, but he’s just a big, strong bloke, and it ended up looking bad,” Munster reflected.

This was hardly the only incident involving Munster and Martin during the match.

Munster was penalised at a crucial moment when he shoved and shouted at Martin after the latter had knocked the ball on.

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The five-eighth acknowledged that he was likely in for a telling off from Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy over that incident.

“Regardless of the penalty decision, I just need to be smarter,” he admitted.

“Liam got the better of me there; he had a good go at me in the first half, and I tried to get back at him. With the team leading, I thought it was a chance to remind him, but unfortunately, it backfired.”

“I’ll take a hard look at myself in the sheds with Bellyache (Bellamy), who will definitely let me have it, and then I’ll move on.”

Munster also spoke with Triple M, sharing that Martin had delivered a sledge that got under his skin.

“He called me a liability towards the end of the first half, and I was just trying to get one back on him,” he shared.

“Unfortunately, it ended up playing into his hands.”

Munster and Martin have faced off numerous times both at the club level and in the State of Origin arena. Prior to representing the Kangaroos together, Munster admitted he wasn’t fond of his Storm and Blues adversary, but Martin took it in stride, stating he has no personal issue with his on-field rival.