Cronk tips Morgan for bench yet again

SYDNEY Roosters playmaker Cooper Cronk has backed Dragons star Ben Hunt to beat Michael Morgan in the Queensland halfback race, with the Cowboy likely to become a victim of his versatility.

Morgan (pictured) helped lead Australia to World Cup glory playing in the halves in October after a stellar 2017 season in which he was named Dally M halfback of the year, but is yet to do so for the Maroons in eight appearances.

He was shifted to centre in last year’s decider to accommodate Melbourne debutant Cameron Munster, the sole time he’s been named in the starting side.

With Munster locked into the five-eighth spot, Morgan looks destined to return to the bench utility role he’s filled with distinction for Queensland.

Hunt’s form for the ladderleading Dragons demands selection. Morgan insists he won’t be perturbed if that’s the case despite serving a long apprenticeship behind Cronk and Johnathan Thurston, who have both quit representative football.

“It’s good to see him playing well,” Morgan said of Hunt this week. “I’m not going to stand here and say I should be the halfback for Queensland.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to start in the halves for Queensland, but if it isn’t the case I won’t be kicking stones.

“If Ben was picked at halfback, it’s not like I could be dirty and say it’s unfair, he’s probably the best halfback in the comp at the moment.”

Speaking on Fox Sports this week, Cronk said Hunt was building a case for selection that couldn’t be ignored.

“Hunt’s form is irresistible, and Morgan suffers from being the perfect utility,” Cronk said.