'It's not what I want': Munster still a reluctant Storm hero

Cameron Munster may be set to join the game's growing crop of million-dollar earners but the Storm star remains a surprisingly reluctant hero with the game on the line.

One of Munster's last acts in the rugby league spotlight was a clutch 76th-minute field goal two weeks ago against Souths, earning Melbourne a precious week off and a crack at their third straight grand final appearance in his four years of first grade.

Since Cooper Cronk's departure to the Roosters Munster has gone to another level, not least when the Storm have needed a match-winner most.

But despite being an incumbent Queensland and Australian rep, a hot contender for the Dally M Medal and one of the game's most-sought after stars, Munster conceded he is still coming to terms with being the Storm's go-to man at the death.

"It's big shoes to fill really when Cooper's gone," Munster said ahead of Friday's grand final qualifier against Cronulla.

"He's always loved those big moments and always succeeded when it comes to those field goals and big moments when we've needed it.

"Obviously I needed to step up once Coops left. We've got a young half in (Brodie) Croft so it's something that I needed to take on board a lot more.

"It's probably something I don't want to do but I guess at the end of the day, it's not what I want, it's what's best for the team and if that means that I need to get the boys in the position to take the opportunity and try and nail it, that's something I do.

"I'm not too scared to have a go, if it doesn't pay off it then I just go back to the drawing board and try and do it again."

As skipper Cameron Smith revealed after Munster's match-winner against the Rabbitohs, the 24-year-old is still no fan of simulating clutch scenarios in the lead-up to a game.

For the record, he's yet to miss with the two field goal attempts he's had in first grade, nailing a one-pointer that proved the difference against the Cowboys in May as well.

"I don't practice at all," Munster grinned.

"I feel like if I practice too much I end up kicking it to the right or to the left and into the crowd... I usually do a couple of field goals before the game, usually in the warm up - if I nail them then, then I'm on.

"If I don't nail them then I tell Smithy or someone else to kick them".

Melbourne are expected to be at full strength for their latest showdown with the Sharks as both Will Chambers (suspension) and Nelson Asofa-Solomona (ankle) return.

Chambers has played as big a role as any in the bubbling rivalry between the 2016 grand finalists, waging a running battle with good mate Wade Graham whenever they cross paths and calling Paul Gallen a "drug cheat" in 2017.

The Cronulla skipper is currently battling to be fit thanks to a rotator cuff injury, but like most Munster hopes Gallen will be on deck for the usual fireworks between he and Chambers.

"It's perfect timing isn't it?" Munster said of Chambers' return.

"There's always going to be a bit of media about Gallen and Chambers. They're both winners and they're both competitors. They both just want to win.

"Obviously Chambers loves a bit of a spray with some of the players and loves getting underneath people's skin. Same with Gallen.

"They both want to get each other off their game because when they're both playing well they're both really good players."