Michael Morgan responds to challenge from Maroons coach Kevin Walters

TEST utility Michael Morgan has responded to a challenge from Maroons coach Kevin Walters, producing his best game of the season for the Cowboys on Friday night.

Michael Morgan. Picture: Getty Images

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TEST utility Michael Morgan admits an overhaul of North Queensland’s attacking structures has affected his form and left him in the Queensland Origin firing line.

Morgan has responded to a challenge from Maroons coach Kevin Walters, producing his best game of the season in the Cowboys’ 20-6 defeat of Souths on Friday night.

While Morgan has played five Origin games in the past two series in the crucial No. 14 slot, Walters has refused to guarantee the Cowboys pivot is safe for Game One on May 31.

Michael Morgan makes a break against the Rabbitohs. Picture: Getty Images

Walters is eager to blood Broncos sensation Anthony Milford in Maroon and Morgan concedes a tactical tweak at the Cowboys had affected the form that won him an Australian jumper last season.

Morgan revealed his return to form against the Rabbitohs coincided with Cowboys coach Paul Green simplifying what was required of him as Johnathan Thurston’s halves partner.

“I haven’t been overly happy with my form at the start of the year, it’s been a bit up and down,” Morgan said.

“We changed a few things in pre-season (at the Cowboys), we are getting used to a couple of new structures, but the last few weeks we have made things more simple.

“The last two weeks I’ve been clearer with my role.”

Still, the Cowboys pivot is taking nothing for granted and is prepared to play through the pain of an injury to his AC joint in the shoulder to cement his Origin status.

Originally published as Michael Morgan responds to challenge from Maroons coach Kevin Walters