Michael Morgan has well and truly jumped out from Jonathan Thurston’s ever imposing shadow

FOR so long the man wearing the No.7 for North Queensland has terrorised opposition defences. Only this time it wasn’t Johnathan Thurston.

Jonathan Thurston congratulates Michael Morgan.

FOR so long the man wearing the No.7 for North Queensland terrorised opposition defences.

Saturday night was no different. Except this time he went by the name of Michael Morgan.

PLAYER RATINGS: who was the star of the show on Saturday night?

DECIDER: Roosters crash, Cowboys ride on

Morgan has well and truly emerged from Johnathan Thurston’s ever-imposing shadow to not only cement himself as the future king of Townsville but the heir apparent to Thurston’s Maroon and Australian crowns.

His purple patch of form is reminiscent of Jarryd Hayne’s near untouchable performances as he single-handedly led the Eels to a grand final in 2009.

Jonathan Thurston congratulates Michael Morgan.

Even more impressive is Morgan’s ability to get his teammates to shine. He has helped halves partner Te Maire Martin, who was a Panthers discard just weeks ago, impress. Now he is preparing to play in the premiership decider.

Morgan was sublime against the Roosters, outplaying NSW halfback Mitchell Pearce. While NSW’s search for a permanent No. 7 seems to be endless, Morgan will ensure the Maroons continue to dominate for years to come.

To call his performance Thurston-like would be almost disrespectful to Morgan’s efforts. There was the show-and-go which Thurston had perfected throughout this decorated career, while he also led the Cowboys kick-chase.

Cowboys coach Paul Green said his team would not be where they were without Morgan’s performances.

“That’s been one of the many satisfying things that have come out of this year,” Green said.

“His development as a player and a leader on and off the field. It’s been really pleasing to be part of. “That’s why you coach. You see people grow and improve. Morgo (Morgan) typifies that. There are other examples of that. Him in particular (it) has been a great journey for him so far.

“It’s why we are where we are. If you’re halfback isn’t on you don’t win big games.”

When Thurston’s season ended after the mid-year Test for Australia, it was supposed to ruin the premiership hopes of the Cowboys. Except that news did not travel to Townsville.

It is no wonder Roosters coach Trent Robinson labelled Morgan the best player in the NRL.

Michael Morgan was the star of the show on Saturday night.

There is no-one in better form at the moment. Morgan landed a 40/20 within the opening exchanges to set the tone for the rest of the match. More importantly, he laid on two Cowboys tries and kicked the matchwinning field goal in an unstoppable performance.

Each try assist allowed the Cowboys to snatch back the lead, with his first sending Kane Linnett over. He then combined with Linnett who was able to set up Kyle Feldt for a try in the corner.

Morgan’s next test does not get any easier when he faces Cooper Cronk in next Sunday’s decider.

After that he will join Cronk as the Kangaroos’ scrum combination, but first he wants his premiership ring.