Retiring Morgan inspires a region
MICHAEL Morgan is the North Queensland Cowboys “through and through”.
He will always be remembered as one of the first footballers to play his way through the club’s junior system and to the highest representative honours rugby league has to offer.
And all the while he has done it with humility.
Morgan, 29, announced his immediate retirement from the game on Friday after succumbing to a shoulder injury that has plagued him for three seasons.
He leaves the field with 168 NRL appearances for the Cowboys, two grand finals and a premiership. He also played 12 games for Queensland and 12 for his country.
While he might not be pulling on the jersey, it is clear Morgan will always remain part of the Cowboys fabric.
His story of resilience and perseverance and ultimately reward will provide the inspiration for generations of North Queensland youngsters.
“It is hard to put into words (what he means to the club),” coach Todd Payten said.
“He is born and raised (in Townsville) and came through the junior system and played in a 20s grand final and two grand finals for the club.
“He is the Cowboys through and through. He has been the heart and soul of this place for a long time.”
Morgan made the tough announcement surrounded by teammates, Cowboys staff and most importantly his family, wife Brianna and eightmonth-old daughter Penelope.
It is the two most important females in his life who the Cowboys co-captain believes will help him make the transition into retirement.
“It is nice to be able to go home to Penelope and Bri,” Morgan said.
“Bri has been on this journey for a long time with me, so she knows the rollercoaster I have ridden and the battles I have had with my shoulder in the past 12 months.
“She knows first-hand, and it is probably a bit of relief for her she doesn’t have to watch me do it anymore.
“(Having a family) does put things into perspective. There are other things in life that I look forward to now.”
The confirmation of Morgan’s retirement brought an end to weeks of speculation after he re-injured his shoulder in a tackle against the Dragons in Round 2.
The halfback had undergone multiple surgeries on the joint last season after it became infected following a regulation clean-out during the COVID-19 enforced break.
Morgan said he felt confident with the shoulder heading into this season after working hard on his strength in the offseason.
But a moment of heavy contact against the Dragons brought it all undone.
Morgan appeared inconsolable after the loss, with the realisation potentially dawning on the Cowboys champion.
Cowboys head of football Micheal Luck admitted it was a sombre day for the club but also a chance to celebrate a career that had spanned more than a decade in the top grade.
“It is a sad day for the club to lose someone of his presence and stature,” he said.
“This club and this region owes Mick a great debt of thanks for what he has done over the years.”