Josh Morris becomes first NRL player to retire after game at BB Print Stadium

Josh Morris was a Roosters legend long before he played in Mackay, but the Sydney great is now a member of an exclusive club in the sugar city.

It was not the way he wanted to finish his career, but Sydney Roosters great Josh Morris now holds an exclusive record and connection with Mackay.

The champion became the first NRL player to have his career finish in the sugar city, but he said he enjoyed sharing the moment with the passionate fans in Mackay.

“It was nice at the end to get a standing ovation from the crowd, they love their football up here in Queensland,” he said.

Josh Morris of the Roosters thanks fans as he leaves the field during the NRL Semi-Final match between Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters at BB Print Stadium on September 17, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. Picture: Matt Roberts

“I guess it’s better to be cheered than booed from Queenslanders, they’ve given me a fair bit over the years, so it was nice.

“It was also the first time I’ve lost up here in Mackay, we’ve now played a fair few games here and I’ve had a pretty good record.”

The Roosters were two wins from two matches this season at BB Print Stadium, but Sydney could not extend its perfect Mackay record.

MACKAY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Morris of the Roosters reacts during the NRL Semi-Final match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Sydney Roosters at BB Print Stadium on September 17, 2021 in Mackay, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Roosters coach Trent Robinson said he had enjoyed the trips to regional Queensland, despite the side’s season ending on Friday night.

“Mackay has been awesome to us, we’ve really enjoyed coming up here and enjoyed the fans coming out in all their different jerseys,” Robinson said.

“It’s been good to get the game around Queensland, it’s been great to come to the regional areas.”

Robinson, who had been critical of the NRL at times this season, said the league had done a fantastic job ensuring the season continued through the uncertainties of Covid.

“I think it’s only right for me to say how incredible this time has been up here for us,” he said.

“The way they’ve organised nights for our partners to get to know each other and the way they’ve put everything on for us to train and play and perform, it’s been with a lot of heart.

“There’s been so much work put in, but so much heart gone into us staying up here and performing.”