Lewis sees Morgan in pivotal role if JT misses Origin
ORIGIN’S greatest fiveeighth Wally Lewis says Michael Morgan is Queensland’s best safety- net option in the position for Game One.
Lewis said he had “no doubt” that Johnathan Thurston would be cleared to play in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium on May 31 despite a shoulder injury which had ruled him out of two NRL matches.
But Lewis said Morgan had emerged from a ruck of contenders with his recent performances for the Cowboys.
While not a playmaker at No. 6 in the style of Thurston and Darren Lockyer, Morgan’s running and defence made him the long- term option to replace Thurston, who intends to retire from representative football at season’s end.
“I think there’s no doubt JT will play, but after that I’d expect Morgan would be first selected there ahead of players like ( Daly) Cherry- Evans and ( Anthony) Milford,” said Lewis, the winner of the most Origin man- of- the- match awards.
“There appeared to be some doubt concerning Michael Morgan in the early games this season. He didn’t appear to be at his best but the last two matches will have proven to selectors and his teammates he’s one of those players you shouldn’t doubt.
“There’s a little consideration that like Steve Ella used to be picked as a reserve ( in the 1980s) because he can play so many spots at Test level, Michael Morgan has versatility.
“But he’s got the ability and he’s never short of determination. While we mightn’t hear anything of it, he will have spent plenty of time on the phone to Kevin Walters. Both of them will be 100 per cent happy with how he’s sitting at the moment.”
Parramatta’s Corey Norman is out of contention for Origin I as he will miss at least four weeks with a knee injury.