Josh Morris getting used to new life in Cronulla
Instead of basking in the Sydney sunshine, Josh Morris could have been battling the unforgiving English winter had things worked out differently.
JOSH Morris could well be battling the English winter right now, instead he’s basking in the Sydney sunshine.
Morris had resigned himself to playing out the rest of his already long career in England before Cronulla intervened. With the Sharks on the lookout for a centre following the departures of Jesse Ramien and Ricky Leutele, Morris loomed as the ideal signature.
The hardest part for Morris was getting his head around leaving Canterbury after nine seasons.
“It was tough,” Morris said. “I spent a lot of time there. I probably could’ve stayed there and stayed in my comfort zone. At this stage of my career I was looking for a change and do something different.
“I was looking at heading overseas. It worked out Cronulla lost both their centres so an opportunity presented itself. I thought they had a good roster. It just kind of worked out well not having to move out well and having been in Sydney in with (a 14-month old baby) that was a big incentive. It all worked out.
“The playing squad is a good mix of youth and experience. I’m trying to help the younger blokes out.”
Morris, 32, gave no thought to retiring at the end of last season. Instead it is the lure of an elusive premiership which continues to drive him.
“I thought I had a good pre-season and I thought I was playing good football last year while we weren’t having the best year at the dogs. I thought I was continuing and had plenty to offer.
“Retirement was never a thought or consideration.
“(Winning a premiership is) something I’m striving to do. It’s why we play the game. The squad has a great mix.
“Over the past three or four years they’ve averaged a top four finish. At the end of the year they are there or thereabouts. You want to be playing finals football.
“There are a couple of distractions at the club but there is enough experience in the room with the likes of Gal (Paul Gallen), Wade (Graham), Duges (Josh Dugan) and myself who have played a lot of rep footy. We have been telling the young guys to get on with the job and turn up with the same attitude and not let it be a distraction so we’re not wasting the season.”
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