Origin: Josh Morris out for NSW Blues, Walker to start Jack Bird to bench

JOSH Morris has been dramatically ruled out of State of Origin two with a groin injury opening the door for Cronulla youngster to make his debut for NSW.

Josh Morris has been forced out of Origin II due to injury. Picture: Gregg Porteous

IT was the most gut-wrenching decision of his 10 year career but Josh Morris knew he had to “put the team first.”

Morris cut a heartbroken figure in Coffs Harbour on Saturday just moments after ruling himself out of State of Origin II.

As revealed exclusively in The Saturday Telegraph, Morris was battling a groin injury he desperately hoped would mend.

But a training session on Saturday confirmed the worst — he was out.

Jack Bird (L) has been named to make his Origin debut following the injury to Morris.

As a result, coach Laurie Daley elevated bench player Dylan Walker into the starting side at right centre, with NSW development player Jack Bird, already in camp with the team, to enter the final 17.

“It was my call. It’s about putting the team first. I don’t want to go in there and give a poor performance in a Blues jersey because of an injury,” Morris said.

“Queensland are smart as well, they probably would’ve targeted me knowing I was going in under an injury cloud. It was the best decision for the team. It doesn’t matter what the boys say to you, you’re disappointed.

“I wasn’t able to complete [the] session and with the pace of the game, I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with that. The decision was made and it’s a tough one.

Josh Morris during warm up for the NSW Blues Origin team training session at The Novotel Pacific Bay Resort , Coffs Harbour . Picture : Gregg Porteous

“It’s very disappointing. It’s a big game. We need to go up there and win the game to keep the series alive. It’s one you want to be a part of and I don’t have that chance now.

“It’s disappointing. I was just changing my line, trying to run on the inside shoulder of a bloke and I felt a grab.

“We pretty much pulled it up straightaway there and iced it, and as I said, did plenty of physio and spent a fair bit of time in there. It wasn’t until we ran that it didn’t feel right.”

The withdrawal allows Walker and Bird — both aged 21 — to thrill and excite.

While Walker’s nine minutes in the series opener is the only Origin experience between the pair, Morris remained confident they had spent enough time in camp to ensure they were ready for the challenges ahead.

COFFS HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Jack Bird juggles the ball during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session on June 15, 2016 in Coffs Harbour, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

“’Dyl’ has slotted in nicely on Thursday and worked there well with ‘Fergo’ (Blake Ferguson) and ‘Reyno’ (Adam Reynolds),’’ Morris said.

“Obviously Jack’s been playing some great football for the Sharkies so I’m looking forward to seeing how they grab this opportunity.

“Jack is a confident young kid. He’s in some good form and he should be confident heading into the game.

“I’ll speak to him in the lead-up and see how those boys are going and just making sure that their combinations are going well and that their communication’s right up there because Suncorp is a loud place, you can barely hear anyone. It’s about them making sure that they’re nice and clear with each other and they know what they’re doing.”

Ironically, Morris came into the NSW side for Origin I through an injury to St George Illawarra’s Josh Dugan (elbow).

Morris, 29, was asked whether he may have played his final State of Origin game.

“I guess I’m getting upwards of 30 now, I hope not. But you never know,” he said.

The injury drama continues a disrupted build-up for NSW, who lost back-rower Wade Graham during the week through suspension.