Cronulla’s Josh Morris and Bronson Xerri in duel over left centre spot

A month ago he was playing Origin at left centre but now Josh Morris can’t even command that position at club level.

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Josh Morris has warned boom back Bronson Xerri that he won’t be giving up Cronulla’s No. 3 jumper without a fight after losing his preferred spot for the second week running.

Sharks coach John Morris has again shifted Xerri from right to left centre at the expense of Morris — who has been forced out into an unfamiliar position on the left wing.

But the 277-game veteran has no intention of giving up his usual place long-term.

Morris told The Saturday Telegraph, his NSW Blues recall for game one of this year’s State of Origin series was proof he still deserved to hold down his spot at the Sharks.

“I want that spot back. A month ago I was playing Origin because my form was really good on that left side,” he said.

Josh Morris has vowed to fight for the left centre spot at the Cronulla Sharks. Picture: AAP Image/Craig Golding

“But I just feel at the moment I have to do what’s best for the team, wherever that may be in the backline.

“At the moment we have three blokes [Morris, Xerri, Josh Dugan] who can play centre. I have to be a professional and get the job done.”

Xerri, a local Sharks junior, has played every single game since making his NRL debut back in round four — of those 12 games, 11 have been at right centre.

Like Morris, Xerri is just as keen on playing on the left side of the field at centre.

“I’m trying to stick that out and cement that position, left centre, because that is my position. I feel like moving to left centre, that’s the best you’re going to get out of me,” Xerri said.

Cronulla's Bronson Xerri has held off Josh Morris’s challenge for the left centre spot. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Coach Morris’ plans for Xerri, however, had hinged on left edge backrower Wade Graham.

But Graham’s untimely four-week hamstring injury suffered during Wednesday night’s Origin decider has scuttled those plans.

“Hopefully when Waydo comes back it brings that combination with him being a like a second halfback out on the left there. I played one game outside him against Parramatta … when Waydo was playing I saw a lot more ball,” Xerri said.

Matt Moylan is also out with a hamstring injury and may have earned Morris a last minute reprieve.

Josh Dugan is expected to replace Moylan at fullback and this could see Xerri shifted back to right centre in place of Dugan, with Morris coming shifting in from the wing into left centre.