Morris key for Mud Dogs’ chances
Englishman Maxx Morris has been turning heads and leaving a few players flat footed this season.
The flying winger has been one of the key components in Pleasant Point’s successful run to the Hamersley Cup grand final.
The 20-year-old has been loving every minute of his New Zealand rugby experience and said a final win will would cap it off.
Morris arrived in Point having be lured across by front rower Ben Hewitson after they played together for Brighton in the UK.
Pleasant Point coach Kelly Walsh said he originally thought Morris would be utilised at halfback or first five but he had proved invaluable on the wing.
Tipping the scales at 84kg Morris is no monster but his extreme pace and clever skills has fooled one or two this season. Morris has run an 11.1 second 100m, which makes one of the quickest outside backs around.
He is one of the Hamersley Cup’s top try scorers but more importantly he has dotted down at crucial times for the Mud Dogs. Morris has played rugby since he was five, following in his father’s footsteps.
He went to Hartpury College, one of the biggest rugby college’s in England before turning out for Brighton.
‘‘Rugby in New Zealand is faster and played more as a team. It’s taken me a bit of time to adjust but I have loved every minute of it and I don’t want it to end. It would be great to win the final and finish on a high.’’
Morris credits his successful season to a great combination with his fullback Shay Moseby.
‘‘Shay has put me in space and it has been a pleasure to play with him and Kevin (Moore).’’
The young Englishman has also been involved in the wider rugby community coaching the Timaru Boys’ High School under 14.5 team with Brent Isbister.
‘‘I’ve really enjoyed well.’’
Morris is available for the South Canterbury Heartland Championship campaign and was selected in coach Barry Matthews pre season training squad.
He will have to wait until after the grand final to see if he has made the cut of 26.
Walsh said Morris had been a that as pleasure to deal with.
‘‘He is a really good team man has fitted in with the boys perfectly and the team culture.’’
Morris is hoping to be back next year for the Mud Dogs as well. ‘‘I’d really like to stay on but have a few things to work out.’’
Pleasant Point last made the final in 2013 but were pipped late in the game by Celtic, going down 22-15 at Alpine Energy Stadium.
The Mud Dogs only grand final victory came in 2005 when they beat Celtic 38-13, which laid to rest the ghosts of seven previous losses in finals with a comprehensive performance. There are three survivors from the 2005 final that have played in 2013 including utility back Aaron Geary and front rowers Ben Hewitson and Jeremy Cunningham. Hewitson will however miss the final with an injury.
Somewhat surprisingly there are only five left from the 2013 final with Alistair Brady, Luke Brice, Bradley Tegelaars, Josh CraigBradley and Geary.
It will however be a big day for Pleasant Point with their B-team also in the final up against defending champions Temuka.