Josh Morris calls time on stellar NRL career

Josh Morris is yet to win an NRL premiership, but he will walk away from the game with his head held high following a standout 15 season career.

Sydney Roosters veteran Josh Morris will join his twin brother Brett on the sidelines next season after announcing his retirement at the conclusion of the 2021 NRL season.

Morris, who has played 322 first grade games to date, conceded that after 15 seasons in the NRL, the time was right to move on to the next chapter of his life.

The 35-year-old’s retirement comes just months after his sibling Brett was forced to hang up the boots following an ACL injury against Newcastle in May.

Roosters Josh Morris scores a try during the Souths v Roosters NRL match at ANZ Stadium, Homebush. Picture: Brett Costello

“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision – I’ve been enjoying my footy and love being around the team we have here at the Roosters, but I’m very comfortable that this is the right call,” Morris said.

“I’ve been blessed to play 15 seasons in the toughest rugby league competition in the world. I’ve had some wonderful opportunities and made some lifelong friendships and memories along the way, right back to my junior days with the Kiama Knights.

“Since getting my start in the NRL, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to play with and be coached by some of the game’s best, both at club level and in the representative arena, and I’d like to extend my thanks to all my teammates and coaches over the years.”

Morris thanked all his coaches, teammates, and rivals but reserved special praise for the Roosters, where he has scored 19 tries in 34 games since making his club debut in 2020.

“To Trent Robinson and the coaching and performance staff, and my current teammates here at the Sydney Roosters, it’s a privilege every time I get to wear this jersey,” he said.

“This is a proud club and we’re a tight bunch, and I’m looking forward to getting back out on the field and ripping in with you all for the rest of the year.”

Brett Morris with his brother Josh after his 300th game. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Morris also expressed his gratitude to finish his career alongside his brother Brett, even if it ended in devastating fashion through injury.

“I’d like to single out one teammate in particular, my brother Brett,” he said.

“To start and finish my career at the same club as Brett, and to share the memories we have is something I’ll always cherish.

“There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t be in the position to enjoy 15 seasons in the NRL without the incredible support of my mother Karen, my siblings, and most of all, my wife Elise and our children Cali and Jesse.”

Morris has already cemented his place inside the top 10 list of all-time try scorers and is a two-time grand finalist (2012, 2014).

He made his NRL debut with the St George Illawarra Dragons in the opening round of the 2007 season, playing 46 games before shifting to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs where he played 217 games with the club between 2009-2018.

He played 25 games with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks across 2019-2020 before linking with the Roosters in 2020.

In the representative arena, Morris played six Tests for Australia (2009-2014) and made 15 appearances for NSW (2009-2019). He also played for the NRL All Stars (2010) and represented NSW Country and the Prime Minister’s XIII on three occasions. Morris was also named the Dally M Centre of the Year in 2012.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson praised Morris for his achievements throughout his career.

“It’s been a real joy to coach Josh over the last two seasons,” Robinson said.

“To watch the way that he has gone about playing the game throughout his entire career is a reflection of the wonderful athlete and person that he is.

“Josh is one of the best of all time in his position, and his achievements, not only at club level but also in the representative arena, deserve to be celebrated.

“We all love Josh. He has been incredibly generous in sharing his experience with the younger players around him, and we look forward to seeing out the year together.”