A young fan was given a piece of World Cup memorabilia money can't buy when Australian star Cameron Munster gave the supporter his medal box.
Australia won their 12th Rugby League World Cup on Saturday when they beat Samoa 30-10 at Old Trafford. A brace of tries each from Latrell Mitchell and captain James Tedesco resulted in the Aussies retaining the World Cup for a third time.
Fans waited outside the stadium afterwards keen for a glimpse of their favourite rugby league stars and one lucky fan also received a rare piece of memorabilia from star Munster, signed with the words "World Champs".
A post on the Rugby League Fan Club page on Facebook told the unheard story with the comment: "This is why rugby league is different to other sports." Approached by the nine-year-old supporter, Munster said: ''mate, I’ve nothing left to give you."
Thinking quickly to avoid disappointing the young fan and whilst wearing his winner's medal, the full-back added: "I tell you what, have my gold medal box, do you want to me to sign it for you as well?" Before marking the words "World Champs" on the box for the delighted fan.
It was Munster's first World Cup medal after missing out on selection in 2017. However, the exciting Melbourne stand-off isn't short of medals having won two NRL Grand Finals. The 28-year-old has also hinted at finishing his career in the UK after his contract at Melbourne Storm ends.
"I'm really enjoying it here, I could see myself living in Manchester," said Munster talking to the BBC. "I finish my contract at 33 in Melbourne so I'll be an old fossil, if anyone in the Super League at that time is interested in an old, broke down five eight I'll be here. Fingers crossed we can play at Old Trafford, it would be a dream come true if I can but everything happens for a reason."
Munster found himself in trouble last year and was fined £16,700 by the NRL when a video was posted online of him and team-mates Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis partying post-season.
"It's been an interesting journey," he added. "I was a bit of a larrikin, didn't mind a beer and the off-field stuff and made a bit of a fool of myself and got myself in hot water last year. A video spiralled around Australia of me partying and it wasn't the ideal scenery I wanted to have. It was just before my partner was about to give birth to my son."
