Morris faces prospect of getting ‘on tools’
ROOSTERS recruit Josh Morris says NRL players could be forced back into the workforce following the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing: “Ending up on the tools this year is a very real prospect.”
With the NRL competition suspended indefinitely, it now appears certain that everyone involved in elite rugby league – including some 480 players – are going to be forced into taking pay cuts.
Speaking on Sydney radio station Triple M yesterday, Morris conceded that with no end date on the code’s shutdown, even senior players like himself could be forced back into the workforce.
Quizzed on the impact the game’s shutdown could have on players, Morris replied: “For myself, I’ve played the game long enough to have some money put away. “But I also have mortgages that I have to pay as well.
“I’m doing a carpentry course at TAFE at the moment and could end up on the tools at the end of the year, it’s a very real prospect.”
Despite starting the year with Cronulla, Morris had only this week switched to the Roosters, where he was preparing for his first game with the Tricolours alongside twin brother Brett.
The 33-year-old centre, who boasts six Tests for Australia and 15 Origins with NSW, revealed the shutdown came only hours into his first day at Roosters HQ.
“I had a pretty long day getting to know all the boys,” Morris said of his Monday arrival. “Then at 5.30pm last night we had a meeting and got told the season was being suspended.
“We are just waiting on advice from the head coach and obviously the club to see what to do moving forward.
“Like everyone, we will probably be in isolation of some sort.”
It is understood most players will remain in social isolation with many told to take their training home ahead of a potential season restart.
But with the NRL working through up to four different start dates, it will be difficult for players to maintain their fitness at the necessary level.
It is understood the NRL will give notice to clubs to begin an abridged pre-season.
“If the players go into a break right now, we’re going to have to have a mini pre-season,” NRL boss Todd Greenberg told Nine’s 100% Footy.
“We’re going to have to work on that with the RLPA and all our clubs.”