JT says Morgan’s utility role crucial

INJURED five-eighth Johnathan Thurston has hesitated to back teammate Michael Morgan as the man to replace him at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

Thurston says Morgan’s greater utility value could see him remain as a bench weapon for Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos, with James Maloney and Cameron Munster to battle it out for the No.6 jersey.

Morgan (pictured) forced a rethink on the Test five-eighth spot with his terrific club form in the halves that saw the Cowboys surge from eighth all the way to the NRL grand final.

It led to him being selected alongside Munster and Maloney, while Brisbane’s Ben Hunt was also rewarded for his utility value after strong lateseason form at hooker when he began the year at halfback.

Thurston has no doubt the 25-year-old would fit right in as part of Australia’s starting spine but questioned whether the team would be weakened if he wasn’t available to plug a gap off the bench.

“He’s been playing really good footy the last six to eight weeks,” said Thurston.

Australia and England will open the World Cup in Melbourne on October 27.