Michael Morgan’s Origin hopes are all but dashed after suffering arm injury against the Warriors
MICHAEL Morgan’s bicep injury in North Queensland’s loss to the Warriors has opened the door for Kalyn Ponga to make his State of Origin debut.
Maroons
Don't miss out on the headlines from Maroons. Followed categories will be added to My News.
MICHAEL Morgan’s injury has opened the door for Kalyn Ponga to make his Origin debut, the Cowboys season is on the line and Matt Scott’s rep career could be over.
Here’s five things we learned from North Queensland’s 23-16 loss to the Warriors.
1) KALYN Ponga just has to get through Sunday’s clash with the Storm injury-free to make his Queensland Origin debut. In a massive blow for the Cowboys, Michael Morgan suffered a suspected torn bicep while trying to make a tackle on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
Already battling a groin problem, Morgan went off in the 27th minute in obvious pain and failed to return, throwing his availability for Origin II into serious doubt.
With Billy Slater (hamstring) racing the clock, the door should be wide open for Ponga now.
Listen below as Nick Campton and Tim Williams discuss NRL Round 15, the Denver/Pacific Tests, Origin Game II and plenty more.
Subscribe to The League Central podcast on iTunes.
2) THE harsh reality for the Cowboys is they cannot afford another loss if they want to make the finals.
They only have nine games remaining and it is expected teams will need 13 wins to make the top eight this year.
With only four victories under their belt, the Cowboys need a miracle.
3) KYLE Feldt’s efforts this year have been overshadowed by the Cowboys’ poor form.
Along with Jason Taumalolo, Feldt has consistently been a strong performer for North Queensland and last night was no exception.
He had a short stint at fullback to set up his side’s first try with a stunning cut-out pass to Javid Bowen and then scored two of his own.
4) TAUMALOLO is also going from strength-to-strength, notching up over 200m for the third week in a row. While the team are trying their hearts out, their efforts are going unrewarded. He amassed 213m and made six tackle busts. He will be a massive force for Tonga next week.
5) MATT Scott’s hopes of an Origin recall rested on a big performance against the Warriors. Unfortunately, he was rubbed out with neck issues just hours before kick-off, in what is expected to be a massive blow to his hopes of playing for Queensland again. The selectors wanted to see a big game from the veteran forward but it is now likely they will stick with the pack they had in Game One.
Originally published as Michael Morgan’s Origin hopes are all but dashed after suffering arm injury against the Warriors