Morgan targets Round 1 return
COWBOYS skipper Michael Morgan is confident the worst of his shoulder problems are behind him as he sets his sights on a return in Round 1.
Morgan made only six NRL appearances this year after a minor operation became infected and saw him miss 14 of the 18 games after the COVID break.
He was forced to withdraw from Queensland Origin selection after further scans revealed the infection caused “havoc” in his shoulder, with fears the captain would need to go under the knife again or, in the worst case, be forced into early retirement.
But Morgan has played down the severity of the troublesome shoulder injury, saying he would “definitely” be ready to take the field next season gets underway.
“The back end of the year was a bit precautionary,” he said.
“Because of the infection that I had in my shoulder, it was necessary to take a bit of time with that and make sure it was completely gone.
“I’ll be starting training in a couple of weeks and I’ll be doing everything that everyone else is doing.
“I’ll be going back fit to go so I’m looking forward to it.”
Brisbane physiotherapist Brien Seeney, who operates popular social media account NRL Physio, said infection only occurred in 1-2 per cent of post-surgical patients.
He said infection could initiate an inflammatory response within the joint and secrete chemicals designed to degrade body tissues, while prolonged low-grade infection
could result in loss of function or progress to septic arthritis.
Other players who have faced similar infections in recent times include Sam Burgess, who was forced to retire from a chronic shoulder condition, and Manase Fainu, who underwent a second shoulder reconstruction surgery and is planning to play on.
While his infection was similar to the one that played a part in Burgess’s premature retirement, Morgan said he was “not really” concerned.
“At one point, a little, but not at the moment,” he said.
“They did well to realise it was an infection pretty early, which is why it wasn’t getting better after the initial surgery.
“I know it is similar to what he (Burgess) had, but he obviously had it a lot longer than I did.”
Morgan will undergo monthly blood tests to monitor the infection, with the plan to avoid surgery and hope extensive rehab in the off-season will resolve any weakness or pain.
He said it had been a tough year for himself and for the club as a whole.
“I was meant to miss four games and it turned out to be most of the season,” he said.
“It was frustrating but it’s done now.”