Battles of the sixes a freaky one
NORTH Queensland’s Michael Morgan says his Brisbane opposite Anthony Milford is a “freak” who will take some stopping when they meet in Sunday’s NRL grand final.
He could be describing himself as two of the game’s rising stars go head to head in the No.6 jerseys at ANZ Stadium.
Both have transitioned this season from fullback to playmaker in success stories that have captured the imagination of the NRL.
Morgan was instrumental in the Cowboys’ crushing 32-12 preliminary final win over Melbourne, scoring two second half tries within four minutes to put the result out of doubt.
Milford, 21, also touched down in the Broncos’ 31-12 romp over the Sydney Roosters.
The victories set up an enticing encounter between the NRL’s two form halves combinations, with Morgan and superstar halfback Johnathan Thurston taking on Milford and Ben Hunt.
Morgan said he had been impressed by the young Brisbane halves combination.
“Milford and Hunt have been good all year,” Morgan said.
“A lot of people thought it wouldn’t work with Milford going to six but he’s shown he can handle it.
“He can handle the defensive load and in attack he’s a freak and he’s hard to stop and it takes a whole team to control him.”
The statistics back Morgan’s claim about Milford, who joined Brisbane from Canberra this season, leading the Broncos attack with 91 tackle busts and 13 tries.
While happy with his own form since returning from an high-ankle sprain, Morgan says credit must go to the dominant Cowboys forward pack.
North Queensland dished up the Storm forwards, giving the 23-year-old and Thurston plenty of time and space.
“I thought our forwards were very good and they got us on the front foot,” Morgan said.
“I thought as a team we played very well off the back of the forward pack and I’m lucky I get to play off them.”
While he has played on the big stage of State of Origin, Morgan said he was still pinching himself to be grand final bound. “It feels weird; it’s hard to believe to be honest.”