Jamie Soward claims the shift of Brett Morris to the No.1 jumper has given St George Illawarra an attacking dimension they never had under former coach Wayne Bennett.
Morris has been such a revelation since being switched to fullback two weeks ago that the Test winger is now being considered a contender for the NSW State of Origin No.1 jumper.
That despite coach Steve Price declaring he had not yet made a made a decision on whether Morris would stay in the role, but as Soward indicated, the prolific try-scorer’s move has an immediate impact on the side.
“We probably play out the back a little bit less, but the way our forwards have been playing, it’s nice to get a bit of second phase and that’s what Brett’s good at,” Soward said after Saturday night’s 17-6 win over Manly.
“Our attack’s still building – it’s been building for a while now – but I thought tonight there was some good touches from everybody.”
The Dragons began the season with Kyle Stanley earmarked as the fullback of the future following the departure of Darius Boyd to Newcastle over the off-season.
Boyd was a central part of the Dragons attack during his three season at the club – his play-making ability a key feature of a second man play that reaped plenty of points.
“Brett’s a different type of fullback to what Darius and Kyle are – they’re both ball-playing fullbacks and Brett’s a guy that’s going to catch the ball and run back quick and get yards up,” Soward said.
“It’s encouraging the way he’s been playing, but there’s still errors in his game that he knows he has to improve to be an elite fullback, but everybody’s happy with his form.
“I think he’s enjoying the challenge – he’s been on the wing for a while now and at fullback he gets to roam the field and do pretty much whatever he wants.
“He’s just so quick – every time he gets the ball he’s dangerous, that’s something that we enjoy having at the back.
“Kyle played really well in the centres tonight and he’s probably found a home there and Brett’s probably found a home at fullback.”
Winger Jason Nightingale, who scored a double against the Sea Eagles, said Morris’ move made the Dragons a more potent attacking force.
With Morris still getting accustomed to the extra running required at fullback, Nightingale shared the role on Saturday night, but the Kiwi international said he was happy to see his teammate operating from the back.
“It allows him to run out of both sides of the field instead of just sitting on the left,” Nightingale said.
“It gives him more freedom and the more time he has the ball in his hands the better.”