Brett Morris’ shift to fullback may have seemed like a bolt from the blue, but you get the sense St George Illawarra coach Steve Price had been hatching the plan for some time.
Morris – a prolific try-scoring winger for the Dragons and Australia – made a spectacular transition to the No.1 jersey against Wests Tigers last week.
It appeared a move born out of desperation, with the withdrawal of centres Matt Cooper and Beau Scott forcing a backline reshuffle.
But with Morris retaining the fullback role for Saturday night’s meeting with premiers Manly at WIN Jubilee Stadium – despite the return of Cooper – the shift could be part of a more permanent plan.
“I’ve had the opportunity to coach Brett for a number of years now coming through juniors. I’ve known all along what type of footballer he brings to our footy club,” Price said.
“I knew deep down what he’s capable of doing.
“A lot of people from outside hadn’t seen that type of showing from Brett, but I’m very happy with what he’s doing.
“One thing about Brett Morris – he always puts the footy club before himself.”
But asked whether he would remain there, Price was keeping his cards close to his chest.
“I haven’t made a decision like that,” he said.
“He’ll definitely be playing fullback tomorrow night and then we’ll see what’s best for the team down the track – I haven’t made a decision long term.”
Price declared Cooper a certain starter after missing the past two weeks with an ankle injury, but a decision on Scott (cork) will not be made until game day.
Scott was named on an extended bench, but will come into the back row if passed fit, with Matt Prior likely to drop back to the bench.
While the Dragons’ playing stocks have been bolstered, Manly head into the clash without injured duo Glenn Stewart (hand) and Steve Matai (thumb) as well as suspended back-rower Tony Williams.
Despite the quality of Manly’s unavailables, Price said the Dragons wouldn’t be underestimating a Sea Eagles outfit that has left quite an impression on the rookie coach.
“They certainly are the benchmark in the NRL and we really admire what they’ve done coming back from the World Club Challenge,” Price said.
“We’ve been in that situation before. We know how hard it is – it’s definitely going to be a tough challenge.”
The Sea Eagles received a boost on the eve of the game with halfback Daly Cherry-Evans re-signing with the club through to the end of the 2015 season.
The contract drama surrounding the standout No.7 had threatened to derail Manly’s positive start to the season, with his manager having formally requested a release when talks broke down before the situation was finally resolved.
