Michael Morgan says he’s ready to take over as captain of the North Queensland Cowboys

Michael Morgan has declared he is ready to take on the Cowboys captaincy as the playmaking ace prepares for his much-awaited comeback to rugby league tomorrow.

Michael Morgan speaks with Coach Paul Green. NRL; North Queensland Cowboys pre-season training at 1300 Smiles Stadium. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Michael Morgan has declared he is ready to take on the Cowboys captaincy as the playmaking ace prepares for his much-awaited comeback to rugby league tomorrow.

Life after champion halfback Johnathan Thurston officially begins tonight when his successor Morgan plays his first game in eight months in the Cowboys’ final trial hitout against Melbourne in Mackay.

It has been 260 days since Morgan suffered a season-ending bicep tear in a clash against the Warriors last June, capping a nightmare 2018 campaign also marred by a frustrating abdominal injury.

Michael Morgan speaks with coach Paul Green. Picture: Alix Sweeney

But Morgan has put his injury demons behind him and says he is ready to embrace the pressures of succeeding co-captain Thurston, both as an on-field general and potential leader.

Cowboys coach Paul Green will unveil his new skipper on Friday night at the club’s gala season launch and Morgan admits he would relish the responsibility of captaincy.

“Is there a betting market on the captaincy? Don’t back me as the favourite,” Morgan said with a laugh ahead of his comeback tonight.

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“I’m born and raised in Townsville and I’ve spent my life here. I was a teenager coming to Cowboys games watching them play.

“If I was given the opportunity to do it, I would love to, but we have a few guys who are good leaders here like Matt Scott and Gavin Cooper.

“Some people thinking it’s time for Thumper (Scott) to move on as captain, but no matter what Greeny decides, he will be a leader in my eyes.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the captaincy and if I was chosen, I would be extremely honoured to do it.”

The Cowboys’ new playmaking sheriff played just 11 games last year in a wretched season that began painfully when Morgan suffered an abdominal strain just a week before the opening round.

Michael Morgan in action during last year’s Johnathan Thurston/Cameron Smith Testimonial.

But tonight’s trial will trigger glorious memories for Morgan. He runs out against Melbourne tonight mindful of his magical 2017 finals campaign which steered the Cowboys into that year’s grand final against the Storm.

“It’s good to be back,” Morgan said.

“It’s the longest I’ve gone without playing. It’s been about eight months without a game, so I’m a bit nervous actually.

“The abdominal injury was really frustrating. There was nothing I could do to fix it so close to the season starting and like most players in the NRL, I was just doing my best to manage the injury.

“Then when I tore my bicep, it was a no-brainer to have the rest of the year off.

“But I’m ready to go. Physically, I feel better now than what I did last year. It’s been a long pre-season, the longest I’ve had in a fair while, so I’m fit and keen to play again.”

Originally published as Michael Morgan says he’s ready to take over as captain of the North Queensland Cowboys