Morris move solves Canterbury conundrum

Canterbury have finally solved their custodian conundrum following Brett Morris’ move to Belmore to reunite with his brother Josh.

After weeks of speculation, Morris was confirmed as a Bulldog on Thursday, for the next four NRL seasons beginning next year.

Salary cap pressure at St George Illawarra led to Morris’ departure from the Dragons, where Brett debuted in 2006 and Josh in 2007.

The Bulldogs have been searching for a quality fullback since Ben Barba was released to Brisbane ahead of the 2014 NRL season and in NSW and Australia representative Morris they now have their man.

“It’s a significant signing for the club,” Bulldogs CEO Raelene Castle said.

“To be able to get a player of Brett’s calibre and profile is exciting.

“We look forward to him joining the squad in preparation for the 2015 season.”

Coach Des Hasler welcomed Morris acquisition.

“Brett is an experienced player that has played at the highest level and we are keen to get him into our set-up and be part of our squad for next season and beyond,” Hasler said.

Dragons CEO Peter Doust said the club were desperate to keep Morris but felt it would be wrong to deny him the chance to play with his brother again.

“It is something that we have been discussing for some time as we wanted to upgrade and extend Brett to see him play his entire career at the Dragons,” Doust said.

“However, for a player like Brett, who has given so much to the Dragons, both football management and the board did not think it right to deny his request.”

Dragons coach Paul McGregor said he respected Morris’ decision and knew what a difficult decision it was for him to make.

“Brett has been an important part of our team for many years so it is less than desirable to ever hear a player of his calibre make this type of decision,” said McGregor.

“However, while I am disappointed, I do respect his decision and making him stay, at least until the end of next season when he wanted to be somewhere else, was not the right outcome for anyone.”

Morris thanked the club for allowing him the opportunity to move on.

“I am grateful to the football management and the board for allowing me to take the opportunity to play alongside my twin brother Josh next year,” said Morris.

“It was not an easy decision.”

Morris’ move from the Dragons is sure to cause angst amongst fans, after the club’s last three forgettable seasons.

Barba struggled to reach the heights expected of him at the Broncos this year and is reportedly being shopped around to NRL rivals following supercoach Wayne Bennett’s return to Red Hill.

Sam Perrett filled in admirably at the back for the Dogs for much of the season, in their surge to the grand final, but Morris, 28, is the more dynamic player modern sides crave in the No.1 jersey.

The Bulldogs struggled to score tries throughout this year and Morris will provide a boost there too.

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