State of Origin 2018: Michael Morgan’s versatility vital to Maroons, says Kevin Walters

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters insists a move to fullback will not impact Michael Morgan’s Origin audition as Kalyn Ponga emerged as a genuine contender for the Maroons’ No. 14 jersey.

Morgan has struggled to find his best form so far. (Alix Sweeney)

QUEENSLAND coach Kevin Walters insists a move to fullback will not impact Michael Morgan’s Origin audition as Knights sensation Kalyn Ponga emerged as a genuine contender for the Maroons’ No. 14 jersey.

Morgan was sent to fullback during North Queensland’s shock loss to Canberra and could stay there against the Panthers on Friday as coach Paul Green searches for a way to spark the 15th-placed Cowboys.

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Morgan has struggled to find his best form so far. (Alix Sweeney)

The Kangaroos five-eighth had a breakout season at fullback in 2014 before moving into a permanent position alongside Johnathan Thurston in the halves.

Morgan, 26, was considered the leading contender to replace Cooper Cronk in the Queensland No. 7 jersey this season, however his combination with Thurston hasn’t clicked during the Cowboys’ shocking start to the year.

Dragons halfback Ben Hunt is now the favourite to succeed Cronk, however Walters was adamant Morgan’s potential shift to fullback would not hurt his selection chances.

Walters won’t be turned on Morgan’s Origin quality. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“He could be playing anywhere,” Walters said. “He could be playing fullback and I wouldn’t have any hesitation putting him in the halves for Queensland or centre.

“He is a quality player. It’s not going to affect him in any way. We picked him in the centres last year and the interchange.

“He is a great player, Michael. That’s the beauty of someone like him, his versatility.”

Morgan has played seven of his eight Origin appearances for the Maroons from the interchange as a utility and started last year’s decider at left centre. He is favoured to retain the utility role for Origin I at the MCG on June 6, however Ponga has thrown his hat into the ring.

The freakishly talented Newcastle fullback has been in sensational touch for the Knights after leaving North Queensland. His NRL career is only 17 games old, however the 20-year-old has proven he is willing to tackle any challenge.

Maroons captain Cameron Smith, an influential voice at the Queensland selection table, said Ponga was an ideal utility.

Ponga’s start has wowed everyone. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)

“Whether he gets a shot at a utility role ... he certainly fits that value for a footy side,” Smith said on Fox League.

“He can play pretty much anywhere in the backline. I’m sure he could cover halves easily as well.

“I remember playing him a couple of weeks ago and every time he got the footy in his hands he was a threat. I was hitting the panic button every time he got it because you just didn’t know what he was going to do.

“Sometimes I think he doesn’t know what he’s going to do — he just plays the ball, sees what’s in front of him.”

The loyal Maroons selectors are unlikely to abandon Morgan despite his poor start to the year, however Ponga is not far away from the Origin arena.

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