Morris ready to stake claim for Blues - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Morris ready to stake claim for Blues

By Steve Jancetic 12/05/2010 05:39:57 PM Comments (0)

Canterbury centre Josh Morris is adamant he is not taking a risk in rushing back from a fractured eye socket in a bid to snare a NSW Origin jumper and gain revenge on his prolific try-scoring brother Brett.

Josh will return a fortnight ahead of schedule when the Bulldogs host St George Illawarra at ANZ Stadium on Friday night, his comeback giving him one more chance to impress Blues selectors who will name their side for Origin I on Monday night.

Just three weeks ago the Bulldogs centre was thought to be a certain starter for the Blues alongside twin brother Brett, but his two weeks on the sidelines have allowed the likes of Test representative Jamie Lyon plus Matt Cooper, Timana Tahu, Michael Jennings and Jamal Idris to push their case for selection.

But Morris denied he was taking a punt with his early return.

"The eye healed very quickly, we went and saw the specialist a couple of times and he was happy with it," Josh said.

"I probably could've played last week but having the bye was handy.

"My main focus is playing well for the Bulldogs and getting that win and if I'm in contention (for NSW), I'm in contention.

"It was certainly great to play there last year in that third game to get the win - hopefully I get another shot this year."

Asked if he had some catching up to do on NSW rivals in a bid to secure a spot, Josh said:

"You could say that but if you go out there worrying about that and trying too hard you're going to stuff it up or hurt yourself.

"I've just got to concentrate on my own game and doing my own things right for the team and hopefully that means playing well and getting the win and that would be very satisfying to get the win against the Dragons."

Yet to get a start for the Blues despite eight tries from his first five appearances for Australia, Brett said a NSW debut would be even more special if it was made alongside his brother.

"These days the only time we'll get to play together is in rep football," Brett said.

"We'll both be staking our claims for a rep jersey and if they pick us we'll go out there and do our best and I'm sure we'll enjoy playing together again."

The match-up will be the second between the brothers with Brett landing a knockout win first time around with a hat-trick of tries in the Dragons' 26-6 win in round two.

Ironically Josh made the decision to leave the Dragons midway through 2008 believing his path to first grade was blocked by then-NSW Origin incumbents Cooper and Mark Gasnier.

Dragons fans were left bemoaning his loss after Gasnier too left the club to pursue a career in rugby union.

There were murmurings from the Dragons camp earlier this year that they were desperate to reunite Josh and Brett in the 'red V' when Josh's contract with the Bulldogs expired at the end of next season, though those plans appear to have been scuppered with Gasnier now eyeing a return to the Dragons.

Josh said his future beyond 2011 wasn't something he was pondering just yet.

"I'm really happy where I am at the moment. My main focus is to concentrate on my football again and just get that good form and get a few wins," Josh said.

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