The tale of two halfbacks

Morton and Fabre hold keys to victory in Cassowary Coast derby clash

It is the sliding doors moment which has led to the brilliant form of two playmakers who will face off in the FNQRL’s Cassowary Coast derby.

Michael Morton and Baptiste Fabre have enjoyed outstanding starts to the FNQRL season, playing key roles in their respective sides’ successful starts to the season.

Morton has seemingly found a new lease on life steering this Innisfail outfit around.

After several years in which he was a bit player for the Innisfail’s A-grade side, spending most of his time in reserves, he has been among the more consistent performers for Leprechauns in their 3-2 start to the season.

Morton has combined his toughness, general playmaking ability and accurate goalkicking to reward Innisfail’s strong forward pack by turning their dominant performances into points - and wins - for Leon Hallie’s men.

The experienced utility, who can play in the halves, at hooker or centre, caught the eye of Tully, who co-coach and football operations manager Colin Wilkie tried to lure to the Tigers this past off-season.

“He’s made a huge difference to the team,” Wilkie said.

“We tried hard to get him to my club in the off-season, he was far too good for reserve grade but he’s finally got the opportunity at Innisfail and he’s made a big difference to that team.”

Innisfail coach Hallie said Morton had matured over the past few months, and after a strong pre-season proved he belonged in the top grade.

“His passion for the game, he just loves rugby league, and he’s committed,” Hallie said.

“He’s always wanted a crack in the halves, and I think he proved he could do it with a good season in reserves. “He had a big pre-season too. “He’s been really good, he’s matured a lot in the past few months and been playing really good footy.”

Morton and representative utility Aaron Jolley have formed a strong combination in the halves for Innisfail, and they will hold the keys for the Leprechauns as they seek to maintain their dominance over the Tigers.

Hallie will have a near full strength side at his disposal, though Lata Fakalelu and Tyreyce Chambers won’t play.

Missing out on Morton may have opened the door to landing Fabre, a Brisbane Tigers weapon who is spending a few months in Tully.

Fabre has taken the league by storm with his all-round game, and last week proved the difference with a two-try, 16point outing in the 28-26 win against Atherton Roosters.

“We’re very happy to have him,” Wilkie said.

“It’s a bit disappointing our team hasn’t been playing too well. Being a half, you’re at the mercy of the forward pack generating ruck speed and being able to get field position to put his skill to the test.

“Daresay, if he was at one of the bigger clubs he would’ve been front and centre in the Foley Shield side.

“I know myself and the rest of the team were disappointed our performances probably cost him a spot in that Foley Shield side which went around the other week, as he’s been one of the elite players of the competition.

“He’s been awesome. “The limited opportunity he’s had in good field position, he’s shown he’s all class.”