Morgan assured in vital position
TRAVIS MEYN MICHAEL Morgan has thrown his hand up to replace Johnathan Thurston after coming of age in Queensland’s miracle Origin victory.
Thurston’s scratching is a massive blow to the Maroons, who must now attempt to win the July 12 decider at Suncorp Stadium without four of their best players after “JT” joined Darius Boyd (broken finger), Matt Scott and Greg Inglis (knee injuries) in the casualty ward.
While Thurston kicked a sideline conversion to lead Queensland to an 18-16 victory at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday, Morgan was the unsung hero in Maroon.
He orchestrated Dane Gagai’s try to level scores with a superb flick pass, emulating his 2015 NRL grand final play which led the Cowboys to their first premiership.
With seven interchange appearances for Queensland under his belt, Morgan said he was now comfortable in the Origin arena and ready to replace Thurston.
“I’d be very grateful if I got the opportunity,” he told the Cairns Post.
“If that was to happen I’d do my best and whatever the team needed me to do.
“I wouldn’t say I feel like I belong or anything like that but I feel more comfortable within the side.
“I don’t feel like my position in the side is just a given and I get named each time. In no way do I feel I have cemented my spot in this side.
“I’ll still be having my fingers crossed that I’ll be selected for Game Three really.”
Morgan, 25, will be selected for the decider but it remains to be seen in which position.
His versatility from the bench is unrivalled but the Maroons are now on the hunt for a five-eighth and centre following Thurston and Boyd’s injuries.
The “Rockhampton Rock- et” Cameron Munster is expected to be elevated from 18th man for the decider and could either replace Boyd at left centre or Thurston.
With Game One fiveeighth Anthony Milford injured, Maroons coach Kevin Walters said Morgan was the favourite to replace Thurston.
“He’s got the experience and confidence to do it,” Walters said.
“We haven’t got the best out of Michael at Origin level yet but that (Game Two) was a really positive result for him.
“Having Billy (Slater) back really accelerated his ability in the game.
“The last time we saw him have an impact like that was (in 2015) when Billy was the fullback.
Morgan must now be North Queensland’s chief playmaker for the remainder of the season and will partner rookie Kyle Laybutt in today’s clash against Penrith.