Red-hot Morgan dismisses Cronk’s claims

Better than Cooper Cronk?

Don’t make Michael Morgan laugh.

North Queensland playmaker Morgan may be rated the game’s best halfback by no less than Cronk himself.

However, the Cowboys No.7 considers himself a Cronk fan rather than a foe.

Cronk became the latest to lavish praise on Morgan after he stepped up in Johnathan Thurston’s absence to guide an injury hit North Queensland from eighth to Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne.

Morgan knew comparisons were coming ahead of the season decider against Cronk’s Storm but clearly did not expect the Melbourne halfback’s huge rap.

“People will compare us because we are both wearing No.7, it doesn’t bother me too much,” he said.

“But I know Cooper is far and beyond a better and smarter player than I am.

“As good as it is to be compared with him I am not thinking I am better than Cooper Cronk.

“He will go down as one of the better halves we have ever seen.

“I am a big fan of him. He is someone I look up to as a player.”

Cronk will only have himself to blame if Morgan sparks the Cowboys’ second premiership win in three years.

Morgan has spoken openly about his “lightbulb moment” when Cronk pulled him aside for a heart to heart on his game in this year’s Kangaroos camp, citing it as the spark to find another gear.

But Morgan also revealed he kept learning off Cronk in Queensland State of Origin camp this year – not that the Maroons matchwinner knew it at the time.

“Without talking to him I have learned off him (at Queensland camp),” Morgan said.

“Whether it is the way that he prepares himself for training, the way he trains, the amount of time and effort he puts in smaller things that people wouldn’t practice as much, or take much notice of.

“Those sort of things you pick up.

“He has been that good for 300 odd games, you learn you don’t have a career that long without hard work and playing consistently, doing it each year.

“He doesn’t plateau in his career. He continues to be the best and that is a reason why (he is No.1).”

Lessons learned from Test and Queensland camp have also taught Morgan that Cronk won’t be distracted by the hype surrounding his last game for Melbourne.

Cronk will leave the Storm at season’s end to be with his fiancee in Sydney.

“I am sure it will mean a lot to him but he is not the type of guy to let outside emotions affect him too much,” Morgan said.

“I am sure he will be very clear headed coming into the game.”

“Yes he will want to win and it being his last game will be a motivating factor but the fact it is a grand final, it won’t be hard to get up for.”

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