Morgo told to lose nice guy persona

COWBOYS captain Michael Morgan has been asked to produce more of a mean streak as the five-eighth aims to assert his dominance on the field.

Morgan has come under scrutiny this week after he struggled to find his feet in his first game back from a three-week break.

The man tasked with leading the Cowboys into the post-thurston era has had a disrupted season at the helm, spending time on the sidelines after consecutive concussions and has occupied time in three different positions.

But it was his good nature that came under question from coach Paul Green after the Cowboys struggled to fire in the Queensland derby.

The home side lacked the mongrel and determination to close out the contest despite leading for most of the second half at 1300SMILES Stadium.

“I think sometimes (Morgan) can be a bit too nice. He worries about everyone else sometimes,” Green said.

“If he got a bit more of that tough streak in him I think at times it would come through and help his game.

“But Morgo is contributing. I think he was good in patches tonight, and I keep going back to it but we were in a winning position and we didn’t (win).”

The Maroons utility has not lost his attacking flair this season and sits equalfifth in the NRL for try assists with 18. It is clear he is the Cowboys’ go-to in attack with the next best

Jake Granville more than 11 try assists off his captain.

Morgan was slightly confused by his coach’s request for more of a mean streak and said he would have a chat with Green to get a better understanding.

“Some players are extremely aggressive and some aren’t,” Morgan said. “I am probably not the most aggressive player going around, (but) I don’t feel like I am becoming any nicer. I will have a chat with him and see what he actually means.”

On the eve of the Broncos derby, Cowboys football operations chief Peter Parr leapt to the defence of Morgan, backing his leadership to rebuild the club.

“I don’t think his form has been as poor as some people have made out, but there’s no doubt that he’s also capable of producing more than what he has,” he said.

“We have great confidence in Morgo as a player and leader.”