Cowboys’ Michael Morgan studying Anthony Minichiello in a bid to improve his game

COWBOYS fullback Michael Morgan has been studying video footage of Anthony Minichiello in a bid to become a more complete custodian.

Cowboys training at 1300 SMILES Stadium Michael Morgan

NORTH Queensland fullback Michael Morgan has been studying video footage of retired Sydney Roosters great Anthony Minichiello in a bid to become a more complete custodian for the Cowboys.

Morgan and Cowboys coach Paul Green have been working closely together to refine the 23-year-old’s game as he moves into just his second season at fullback after playing the majority of his football in the halves.

Green, who was an assistant coach at the Roosters when Minichiello lifted the premiership trophy as skipper in 2013, has encouraged Morgan to make a habit of studying the former NSW and Test fullback who was once crowned the Golden Boot best player in the world.

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Michael Morgan is taking on it himself to develop his game.

“I’ve done a bit of defensive work with Greeny and we watched guys like Minichiello who has been around for a long time and were good defensive fullbacks,” Morgan said.

“Defensively I can still be better just with my talk when we’re defending our line and around our ruck. It’s up to me to direct the boys where to go.

“Greeny obviously worked with Anthony Minichiello a bit when he was at the Roosters and knows he was very good at what he was doing.

“Even watching guys like Billy Slater and that, the intensity they play at is phenomenal. Every time Billy has the ball he is a threat.

“If I watch games I will have a look at different fullbacks but Minichiello and Slater are probably the two main ones I’ve looked at.”

Retired Rooster Anthony Minichiello is a touchstone for Morgan.

Fresh from signing a three-year contract extension during the week, Morgan has made it his mission to complete his transition from halves to fullback by working on all facets of his game.

Dubbed “White Lightning” at the club because of his blinding speed, Morgan knows he must improve in attack to truly be among the top fullbacks in the NRL.

“If I had to pick something (to improve) in attack just better decision making with the ball,” he said.

“If I can be better at that and make good decisions when I’ve got the ball then I will be better for it.”

There is no doubt though that Morgan is feeling some pressure in Townsville. The return of Lachlan Coote from a knee injury has opened the door for Green to toy around with his playmaking options and the day may soon come that Morgan moves back to the halves to allow Coote back into the NRL.

“Moving forward if I was to go back to the halves I think it could still help me out, I haven’t ruled that out at all and if I have to go back there I would be happy too,” he said.

“At the moment though I’m enjoying playing fullback and just want to keep getting better there.”