Cameron Munster hailed a legend for lending State of Origin medal to fallen teammate in Byron Bay

State of Origin star Cameron Munster has been hailed the ‘ultimate wingman’ for lending his Wally Lewis medal to fellow NRL player Sandor Earl as they celebrated Queensland’s series victory in Byron Bay.

Munster – who was crowned the series’ best player after Queensland beat New South Wales 20-14 in the Origin decider at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium last Wednesday – was pictured chatting with the tourist town’s locals and enjoying a drink with Earl and retired second rower Justin Horo on Saturday.

Earl appeared to borrow Munster’s medal for the occasion as they strolled around the foreshore near the iconic Beach Hotel drinking hole – prompting footy fans to wonder if the  was helping his friend pick up girls.

‘Good on him – the mad dog is the ultimate wingman by giving his medal up,’ one wrote.

Others joked on social media Munster had given his Melbourne Storm teammate the medal so he could enjoy a night out without having to worry about losing his coveted award.

‘Munster probably gave it to Sandor so when he got totally smashed he wouldn’t lose it!’ one fan said.

Earl responded to reaction around the photos by indicating the medal did little for him in attracting single women.

‘I have a feeling the Wally Lewis medal ain’t picking up any girls,’ he wrote on Facebook.

‘When you’re with ‘The Prez’ you wear the medal with respect!! 

Munster had dressed casually in a grey t-shirt from Byron Bay-based brand Thrills, with a black backwards hat, sunglasses and tan shorts to take in a gorgeous sunset on the lawn outside the popular watering hole.

He shared beers with his mates and chatted with female friends in the golden light before moving their party elsewhere as the sun dipped below the mountains.

The Maroons play maker enjoyed an incredible season in 2020, claiming the Wally Lewis Medal as well as the Premiership with the Melbourne Storm.

‘Outstanding boys, I can’t fault you guys,’ Munster said after claiming the prestigious medal.

‘Thank you to Queensland and the fans, this one is for you guys.’

Munster was captured on the broadcast jumping onto Maroons trainer Allan Langer’s back and riding him like a horse in the dressing rooms after the win.

On Tuesday night, Munster took to social media to thank his partner Bianca McMahon and his parents for their dedication to his rugby league career. 

‘To my parents Deborah and Steven I know I was a handful as a kid but your determination and hardworking attitude is the reason who I am today and I still use those words in everyday life so thank you for everything you’ve done because it’s shows hard work and a never die attitude gets you places,’ he wrote.

‘My partner – your support through everything this year has been second to none.’

‘You have your own problems and you flush them down the drain just to hear me whinge about my performances each and every week not only having to put up with me 10 hours a day so thank you. 

Melbourne Storm winger Earl joined Munster on the grass at Main Beach, wearing a brightly coloured button up shirt with sunglasses and dark shorts. 

Earl was banned from the NRL for four years for a doping violation in 2013.

Earl had made his NRL debut for the Roosters in 2009 before moving to Penrith for three seasons.

His best football came in the nation’s capital for the Canberra Raiders, but he was stood down from the Raiders in August 2013 after being issued an infraction notice.

He signed with the Storm after his ban and has managed just eight games in the first grade side since his return.

Justin Horo joined Munster and Earl for the afternoon drink, dressed in a purple t-shirt and bright yellow hat.

The 34-year-old retired midway through 2019 and played the majority of his career at the Parramatta Eels and Manly Sea Eagles.

In retirement he has turned his focus to analysing sports on his podcast, The Horo Scope.