Morgan feels pain of JT’s absence
MICHAEL Morgan is learning just how difficult it can be to replace Johnathan Thurston.
As if filling his cavernous boots isn’t daunting enough, the Queensland Origin utility is fast accepting that playing with Thurston’s bravery comes with a fair dose of punishment.
Thurston is the best playmaker in the code, largely because of his courage attacking the line. It is a tactic that creates tryscoring opportunities but also leaves him vulnerable to being belted.
Now Morgan has made a conscious effort to emulate Thurston by venturing into the danger zone.
He copped heavy treatment against the Roosters last week and is bracing for more pain in Friday night’s blockbuster against ladder leaders Melbourne in Townsville.
“I can see now why JT got taken out a lot,” Morgan said.
“I haven’t had an illegal hit put on me, it’s just the way I am playing.
“When Kyle Feldt scored on the weekend, I got hit as I passed ... but it gives the outside guys room if I can do that.
“It’s just part of playing in that (halfback) position and I just have to cop it.”
Asked if he is being deliberately targeted by NRL rivals, Morgan said: “No, I don’t think so. I’ve tried to take the ball to the line. If it gives our outside guys a bit more room, then it’s what I have to do.”
Morgan pulled up sore and sorry after the 22-16 loss to the Roosters but has been cleared to back-up for a daunting scrumbase showdown with Melbourne and Maroons maestro Cooper Cronk.
“Cooper was great for me earlier in the year (in Camp Maroon),” Morgan said. “That’s the type of person he is.
“I am very grateful for what he did when he did it, but on Friday it will be a bit different ... we have to stop him.”
The Cowboys are hoping to have Shaun Fensom on deck after the former Raiders forward missed the Roosters clash with a rib injury.
Cowboys coach Paul Green said Fensom’s experience and tough-tackling grit would be crucial against a Storm side he rates as title favourites.