Morgan’s in form but ‘no promises’
QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters says Australian fiveeighth Michael Morgan will not walk into the Maroons’ No.6 jumper, declaring Broncos rival Anthony Milford a genuine contender for the spot.
Morgan’s development as an elite level five-eighth will continue tomorrow night when he opposes in-form Jarryd Hayne in the World Cup semi-final between Australia and Fiji at Suncorp Stadium.
Like the Kangaroos, the Maroons are on the hunt for a new No.6 in 2018, with Cowboys champion Johnathan Thurston’s representative retirement opening the door.
Morgan is in the best form of his career and steered the Cowboys to last season’s NRL grand final in the absence of Thurston, proof for many he is the ideal five-eighth successor for Queensland.
But as Morgan prepares for his 11th Test tomorrow night and his fifth as a starting pivot, Walters says the Cowboy’s fine World Cup campaign is no guarantee of a Maroons berth.
The Queensland coach says Milford, who made his debut in Origin I last season, and Cameron Munster, who was also blooded in the decider, both have claims to the No.6 jersey made famous by Wally Lewis.
“It will be an ongoing battle for all those guys,” Walters said.
“Michael Morgan’s finish to the season was simply brilliant and he certainly hasn’t lost any ground, but I’ll be keeping my options open.” STEAMROLLERING: Michael Morgan of Australia breaks a tackle during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup quarter final match against Samoa at Darwin Stadium last Friday.