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Josh and Brett Morris become first brothers in NRL history to make a century

CANTERBURY Bulldogs brothers Josh and Brett Morris have made history with one of the most impressive records in the game.

Dan Elsom
2 min read
March 4, 2016 - 10:01PM

CANTERBURY Bulldogs centre Josh Morris wrote himself into NRL record books alongside brother Brett with a try against Manly on Friday night.

The 29-year-old touched down in the 34th minute after Moses Mbye kicked the Steeden into the Manly in goal. The ball skidded past Brayden Wiliame, allowing Morris to ground it for his 100th career try.

The score marked the first time in NRL history that two brothers had both scored 100 or more tries during their NRL careers. Twin brother Brett, who signed with Canterbury ahead of the 2015 season, currently has 123 tries to his name, including nine for the blue and white. Brett was sidelined for the next four months after discovering he required knee surgery just days before the season opener.

Channel Nine commentator Peter Stirling labelled the achievement as “special”.

“Josh Morris knows that is his hundredth, Josh Morris knows he and his brother have achieved something very special,” Sterling said.

While the pair may be the first of their kind to achieve such a feat, they are not the only two members of their family who have displayed exceptional talent in the NRL.

Father Steve Morris also scored over 100 tries during his 12-year NRL career playing for St George and later with Eastern Suburbs.

Josh’s try at Brookvale Oval took his side out to a 22-0 lead with five minutes to play until the half-time break. The Bulldogs dominated the entire first half, scoring two tries in just 15 minutes of play courtesy of Sam Perrett and Will Hopoate, while Sam Kasiano added a third in the 27th minute.

As Manly struggled for an answer to the unfaltering Canterbury attack, rookie coach Trent Barrett copped a barrage of abuse from fans on Twitter, with his first outing as Manly coach turning out less than desirable.

To make matters worse for the new coach, hard-hitting defender Steve Matai was put on report for a high tackle midway through the first half, while new recruit Martin Taupau was also reported for a shoulder charge.

Manly hit back in the second half with their only try of the match awarded after a “freakish” effort from Jorge Taufua.

The winger pulled in a high ball from fullback Tom Trbojevic, managing to ground it behind his back a fraction of a second before he was tackled into touch.

Unfortunately for Manly, their luck ended there. Canterbury ran in yet another try in the 73rd minute with Curtis Rona scoring his first of the match.

Moses Mbye kicked three out of five conversions and one penalty to lead the points score in his team’s 28-6 victory.

Many experts have predicted the Dogs to miss the eight this year, but coach Hasler has managed to stay ahead of the curve and correctly read the changes to a quicker game as a result of the reduced interchange rule. In contrast, Barrett has a long week ahead of him before Manly’s second-round clash on Monday week with Wests Tigers.

Dogs centre Chase Stanley suffered a leg injury, and hooker Michael Lichaa left the field with 15 minutes left with a knee injury.

Canterbury next play Penrith away on Thursday. The win is Canterbury’s fifth straight over Manly.

— with AAP

Originally published as Josh and Brett Morris become first brothers in NRL history to make a century

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Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/nrl/josh-and-brett-morris-become-first-brothers-in-nrl-history-to-make-a-century/news-story/821cef3828ef7f01fba5d213b2bb16a4