North Queensland playmaker Michael Morgan’s virtuoso performance against Canberra has sent an emphatic State of Origin message.
The 25-year-old’s man-of-the-match performance in his side’s 31-18 win over the Raiders at GIO Stadium on Saturday boosted his standing as him a leading contender to start in Queensland’s must-win series decider against NSW on July 12.
Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans was also superb in his side’s come-from-behind victory over the Warriors on Saturday, while Cameron Munster, Ben Hunt, Corey Norman and Moses Mbye have also been floated as possibilities.
Maroons coach Kevin Walters has used Morgan successfully as a bench utility, but the season-ending injury to club and state teammate Johnathan Thurston has left a vacancy at five-eighth.
“I’ve said it the past few weeks, I love being a part of that side,” Morgan told Fox Sports after leading the Cowboys to victory.
“Wherever Kevvie wants me to play I’m happy to do that.
“I know given what I can do as a utility player it might work against me in that I start on the bench. But I don’t see that as a negative at all.”
“I’m more than happy to be in that side and I love being in that group and I will play wherever they want me to.”
His two-try, three-assist performance against the Raiders came after coach Paul Green asked him to step up and lead the team in the absence of Thurston.
“I spoke to Greeny earlier in the year and I was wanting to take on that responsibility, so I’m glad I have,” Morgan said.
“The last few weeks have been working really well so I am an enjoying it.”
Green said he was impressed by the way Morgan had stepped in for Thurston.
“There was a bit of talk around earlier that he wasn’t sure whether he wanted to be that person or not, but he’s been really good for us,” Green said.
“It’s good to see that he’s playing with plenty of confidence and we need him to be.”