State of Origin III: Maroons centre says he’s over his concussion
Michael Morgan after copping a hit last week. Photo: Getty
Queensland’s Michael Morgan has confirmed he will start at centre for next week’s State of Origin series decider after recovering from concussion.
Morgan has been restricted to light duties this week after copping a hit from NSW forward Tariq Sims that earned the St George Illawarra enforcer a one match ban, ensuring he misses Origin III.
North Queensland playmaker Morgan admitted he was “pretty dazed” after the Sims hit in the Dragons’ 22-14 NRL victory, revealing he could not even remember the incident.
But Morgan said he would be ready to play in the Maroons centres, quashing speculation he may also spend time at five-eighth after Cameron Munster’s switch to fullback.
“It’s all good now. I was pretty dazed on Friday night but since then I have had no headaches or dizziness,” he said.
I don’t actually remember it. I don’t remember the next half an hour walking off (the field) – I don’t even know if I did an HIA test in the sheds.
“I was pretty rocked. But since then I have felt pretty good.”
Morgan will step up training on Friday after being kept in cotton wool at Maroons training, with utility Moses Mbye running at left centre.
Morgan has been restricted to individual runs but had been seen kicking, sparking speculation he would either come off the bench as utility or spend time at five-eighth.
But Morgan said he would run out in the centres after getting the all-clear to play following a successful cognitive test on Thursday.
“I have been named there (in the centres) but I couldn’t really do much at all (at training),” he said.
“But since I was passed yesterday I am cleared to do contact and everything now.”
Morgan admitted his first preference would be to slot in at pivot after Munster was handed the No.1 jersey due to the injury withdrawal of Kalyn Ponga.
However Queensland coach Kevin Walters has rolled the dice and named debutant Corey Norman to wear the No.6 on July 10.
“Obviously it (five-eighth) is my preferred position. But Normy has been named there,” Morgan said.
“I am not coming in with a bad attitude (toward that selection) or anything.
“Normy has got his chance at six and I will do what I can to support him.”