Morgan to face Manly
MICHAEL Morgan believes he will be available for North Queensland’s clash against the Manly Sea Eagles in 11 days’ time after having minor ankle surgery yesterday.
Morgan had his right ankle cleaned out during a day sur- gery procedure that should help alleviate the discomfort Morgan has played through for much of the season.
The Origin utility has got through all his club games this season unscathed despite playing with an infection in the ankle which is believed to be related to an infection he had in the ankle following surgery a few years ago.
The nagging problem flared up roughly two months ago, with Morgan seen leaving a pre- game warm up early ahead of North Queensland’s clash against Manly in Round 12.
“If anything I’ll just be waiting on the cut from the incision to heal,” Morgan said.
“It’s only very minor surgery and I’m very lucky because the timing has been very good with the bye.
“I probably won’t have to miss any games, so I should be right to get back to training after our break.”
Morgan is keen to get back to Cowboys duty after playing his best game of this year’s State of Origin series on Wednesday night, following games one and two where he had limited impact.
The Cowboys have experienced surges during the post- Origin period in recent seasons, but what has built up further excitement this year the
is fact North Queensland have achieved their best- ever State of Origin period.
Last weekend’s 18- 12 win over St George Illawarra left the Cowboys with a 5- 1 winloss ratio from the six games, and will remain two wins clear in second spot behind the Brisbane Broncos thanks to this weekend’s bye.
The 11- day turnaround until next game gives not only Morgan time to recover but also Antonio Winterstein, who suffered a pectoral muscle complaint during the Cowboys’ victory against the Dragons.
Winterstein did not require surgery but still faces question marks over his chances of playing the Sea Eagles at Brookvale on July 20.
Cowboys high performance staff will monitor Winterstein’s progress in coming days in the build- up to the Manly clash.