Morgan to face a fight from Ponga

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters insists a move to fullback will not impact Michael Morgan’s Origin audition as Knights sensation Kalyn Ponga emerged as a genuine contender for the Maroons No. 14 jersey.

Morgan was sent to fullback during North Queensland’s shock loss to Canberra and could stay there against the Panthers on Friday as coach Paul Green searches for a way to spark the 15th-placed Cowboys.

The Kangaroos five-eighth had a breakout season at fullback in 2014 before moving into a permanent position alongside Johnathan Thurston in the halves.

Morgan, 26, was considered the leading contender to replace Cooper Cronk in the Queensland No. 7 jersey this season, however his combination with Thurston hasn’t clicked during the Cowboys’ shocking start to the year. Dragons halfback Ben Hunt is now the favourite to succeed Cronk, however Walters was adamant Morgan’s potential shift to fullback would not hurt his selection chances.

“He could be playing anywhere,” Walters said.