Michael Morgan rates well for Cowboys; Ben Barba wins over Broncos fans

COWBOYS fullback Michael Morgan has gone from a “maybe” first grader to the brink of State of Origin selection in 2014.

COWBOYS fullback Michael Morgan has gone from a “maybe” first grader to the brink of State of Origin selection in 2014.

Now the 22-year-old is zeroing in on superstar teammate Johnathan Thurston as the Cowboys’ most popular player.

The Townsville Brothers product, who scored the winning try for the Mackay Cutters in last year’s Intrust Super Cup grand final, was in great touch for the Cowboys in the massive win over the Wests Tigers in round 22.

Fans who responded to The Courier-Mail’s Fan Favourite survey rewarded him with an overall ranking of nine out of 10.

It was Morgan’s second nine of the season and he’s consistently rated eights this year.

Thurston also scored a nine and the battle for the title of Cowboys Fan Favourite will go down to the wire over the final four rounds.

Outside back Matthew Wright, who was dumped by the Cronulla Sharks at the end of 2013, scored three early tries for the Cowboys to also rate a nine, along with Matt Scott and James Taumalolo.

Ben Barba has struggled to win over Broncos fans this season but did enough in the big win over the Bulldogs at Suncorop Stadium to earn his first nine rating of the year.

Halfback Ben Hunt bounced back from a couple of quiet performances to take control against the ‘Dogs and his two-try effort earned him a nine.

Broncos to rate eights included Dale Copely, Josh McGuire, Andrew McCullough and Sam Thaiday.

The Titans were brave against the Roosters in Monday Night Football but it appears their fans have already turned off for 2014 because not enough responded to the survey to give us enough data to rate the players.

Jump on to couriermail.com.au/sport this weekend to rate the Broncos, Cowboys and Titans.

Originally published as Michael Morgan rates well for Cowboys; Ben Barba wins over Broncos fans