Australia v New Zealand Anzac Test: Cowboys’ Michael Morgan can be the catalyst for a new era

FORGET Cameron Smith, JT or GI. The player who will win Australia this Test match will start the game on the bench, wearing No.15, writes MATTHEW JOHNS.

THE player who will win Australia this Test match will start the game on the bench, wearing the No. 15.

Michael Morgan is the most lethal attacking player in rugby league at the moment. Individually he’s dynamite, but his talents are amplified through his ability to read and react to whatever Johnathan Thurston is doing.

Their combination is as good as any I’ve ever seen in the game.

There are many dimensions to how Thurston and Morgan operate.

They play structured football better than anyone at the moment, in that you don’t see the “Big Play” coming. Structured football is often slow and laborious, you see the threat coming a mile away.

But with Thurston and Morgan, North Queensland’s structure is played at lightning speed. It’s two or three fast, direct set-up plays and then the lethal blow. Opposition defences don’t see it coming.

It’s like a boxer setting an opponent up for the knockout blow. A little feign, a straight left, a straight left and BANG, lights out.

But the Cowboys play what’s on offer, even better. The big forwards roll up field, with Thurston and Morgan stalking the defence a step behind.

Suddenly with momentum created and a fast play-the-ball, the 6 and 7 explode into action in tandem, playing and reacting to what they see.

At the moment defenders just have no answer for the speed, the know-how and the relentlessness of the Thurston/Morgan combination.

If Australia get their fair share of possession, Morgan entering the game at around the 30-minute mark will have a devastating effect.

The Kiwis’ defence will not be able to stop the Thurston/Morgan threat, because no one can.

The big question is where will Mal Meninga play Morgan once he enters the action?

Mal revolutionised the bench with how he used the player wearing the No. 14 jersey for Queensland.

The 14 is the next best half available, outside of the starting combination.

Cooper Cronk bided his time behind the Darren Lockyer/Thurston combination, by coming on late in the first half at either hooker or back row.

This role was filled by Daly Cherry-Evans once Cooper Cronk replaced Lockyer, but now is owned by Michael Morgan after two years of supreme form.

It’s how Anthony Milford will be eventually introduced to State of Origin football.

Morgan will be wasted if brought on at dummy half to replace Cameron Smith, being neck tied to that role won’t allow him to roam the field, or more to the point shadow Thurston.

Wherever Thurston is, Morgan needs to be able to be. Putting him into the back row and allowing him a free role is the way to go.

Morgan’s game will not disrupt the team one bit. Often times, having three dominant playmakers on the field at one time leads to confusing, sideways football. But Morgan is first and foremost a ball runner.

The other option for Mal is in the event of an outside back suffering an injury, putting Morgan to fullback and shifting Darius Boyd to the wing.

Fullback was where Morgan cut his teeth as a first grader. Again, this allows him the freedom his game requires.

It’s a terrific Australian team. Mal has struck the perfect balance between rewarding players in form and incumbency.

The wing combination of Semi Raradra and Blake Ferguson will be lethal on kick returns and those important early tackles which get the sets of six rolling.

The Kiwis’ will really miss Kieran Foran, his leadership and reliability is a huge loss.

No Foran puts a lot of creative pressure on Shaun Johnson, his form has been patchy in 2016 but Stephen Kearney will need him to be back toward his best if the Kiwis’ winning run over Australia is to continue.

The strength of New Zealand is their monster pack of forwards. However, if Australia can dominate possession that size may well become a weakness, particular given the quality of the Kangaroos’ creative spine.

Smith, Cronk, Thurston, Boyd, and then later Morgan, is a huge threat for any middle defence to handle.

Mal enjoyed enormous success as Kangaroos captain. He’ll be equally as successful as coach. And this will be the start of his successful reign.

Originally published as Australia v New Zealand Anzac Test: Cowboys’ Michael Morgan can be the catalyst for a new era