Five things: Morgan can’t be picked in Origin scrumbase

While his Cowboys teammates in the running for an Origin gig impressed against the Eels, Michael Morgan wasn’t at his best – and it could cost him dearly.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: Tom Opacic of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try during the round 10 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Parramatta Eels at 1300SMILES Stadium on May 18, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

While his Cowboys teammates in the running for an Origin gig impressed against the Eels, Michael Morgan wasn’t at his best – and it could cost him dearly. Here’s the five things we learned from the match.

Michael Morgan can’t escape the clutches of the Eels. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

1. Morgan can’t play scrumbase for Maroons

Michael Morgan should not be considered for a Queensland scrumbase spot for Origin I. Playing his 150th NRL game, the Cowboys skipper was again patchy, throwing the intercept for Josh Hoffman’s 90-metre runaway try. Even if Daly Cherry-Evans isn’t fit for Game One, Morgan should be chosen at centre or in the No.14 utility role by the Maroons. He isn’t playing with enough dominance for a halves berth.

2. Granville impressed Origin selectors

Jake Granville staked a strong claim for the Queensland No.9 jumper. Opposing Eels and Maroons rival Reed Mahoney, Granville produced one of his best games in years. He was busy from the outset and threw a neat pass for Matt Scott’s opening try. He is doing everything possible to impress Queensland selectors.

Matt Scott was at his brutal best. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

3. Big boys can still secure Maroon

Cowboys forwards Matt Scott and Coen Hess deserve to stay in the Origin discussion. Scott’s first 20 minutes was outstanding and Hess played with greater energy and ran with noticeably more intent. Hess ran for a season-high 131 metres while Scott was dominant with a try, 118m, five tackle busts and four offloads.

Tom Opacic was the match winner in the end. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images

4. Opacic seals the winner

Tom Opacic thoroughly deserved his match-winning try last night. The former Bronco utility is largely unheralded but he was superb in the centres, running for 138 metres, bolstered by four tackle busts, one offload and one line-break. He gives 100 per cent every week.

5. The execution isn’t quite there

The Cowboys need to improve their play execution. They had three first-half tries called back when their lead-runners obstructed the Eels defence. Coen Hess was penalised twice and Scott Bolton also impeded a Parramatta defender. Even one of those three movements, if executed correctly, would have given the Cowboys the half-time lead.

Originally published as Five things: Morgan can’t be picked in Origin scrumbase