Josh Morris may not be able to squeeze into Ben Barba’s fullback jersey, but at least he’s a damn good fit for the role.
Morris was sublime at the back for the Bulldogs against the Raiders on Saturday, scoring the opening try and having a hand in three others to lift his side to a 28-16 victory.
Covering for injured Dally M winner Barba (ankle) at the back, Morris has provided coach Des Hasler with another option should their star fullback move north next season.
The only problem currently is a managerial one, with the Test centre still wearing his No.3 jumper.
“I don’t think the number one they have in the side is big enough for me. Benny is pretty small,” Morris said.
Morris said he hadn’t yet put much thought into moving to fullback full time should Barba depart the club for Brisbane next season.
But if push came to shove, he’d do what was best for the Bulldogs.
“I like playing in the centres and have forged a rep career there,” he said.
“There’s some great fullbacks and I would have to establish myself again.”
“But if that’s what (the team) needs then I’ll put my hand up and continue to work on it.”
Blazing a path for Morris has been Greg Inglis, who has been a revelation for South Sydney in the custodian role while holding down his centre spot for Queensland.
The Bulldogs’ win has consolidated their position in fifth, while Canberra are now reeling with three straight losses.
It means the Raiders will need to win their three remaining games to nab a finals berth.
The task will be even tougher after utility back Jack Wighton, who was playing at centre following a quadriceps injury to Blake Ferguson, broke his leg in two places in the first half of Saturday’s game.
Wighton adds to a mounting injury toll that includes captain Terry Campese (eye), Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (hamstring/foot), lock Shaun Fensom (thumb) and winger Edrick Lee (arm).
Speculation is mounting that Ferguson is looking to leave the club next season after he reportedly travelled to Sydney on Saturday instead of watching his teammates play in Canberra.
Ferguson has refused to comment on rumours he wants to get out of his final two contracted years at the Raiders to be closer to family.
Raiders coach David Furner was in no mood for discussing Ferguson following his side’s loss to the Bulldogs, abruptly leaving the press conference after fielding several questions on the matter.
“No. There seems to be these articles popping up. No one has said nothing to me or the club or Blake,” Furner said.
When pressed, Furner said he hadn’t confronted Ferguson to deny the reports.
“We had to get on with football, its as simple as that.”
