Brett and Josh Morris. Names that will be forever etched in Origin history after their 2014 heroics, but it looks like 2018 may be the end of the twins in the NRL.
Game I of the 2014 State of Origin series, arguably a match that defined the careers of both twins. Queensland had claimed eight straight series, and on their home turf in Brisbane, looked to continue their dominance.
But the tough, gritty efforts from both the Morris boys defined both New South Wales strong defence as well as the side’s love for the jersey,
Brett Morris scored the side’s opening try, breaking his shoulder in the process. Yet you fast forward to the 76th minute and he’s the one making a match, and ultimately series, winning tackle to bundle Darius Boyd into touch.
Josh Morris tore his PCL, an injury still plaguing the centre today. But moments after injuring his knee, Greg Inglis made a break down the sideline. Who ran him down? That’s right, Josh Morris.
The twins started their careers at St George Illawarra, before Josh departed for Belmore in 2010, a move Brett Morris made himself five years later.
But now, as the 2018 season looms closer and closer, it seems the Morris boy’s injuries are catching up to them and may bring a close to their NRL careers.
Brett has failed to play a 20 game season since he played at the Dragons, while Josh has lost that defensive grit that announced him as one of the competition’s premier centres.
Josh’s knee has plagued him since that 2014 injury, while Brett’s hamstrings have caused him to lose that blinding pace he was once known for.
A move to the Super League isn’t off the table for the duo, their English grandfather giving the twins a sense of heritage in the UK. In fact, Wayne Bennett even inquired about selecting the pair for the English international side for the recently passed Rugby League World Cup.
Turning 32 in August 2018 may be the farewell season for the Morris boys in the NRL as they both come off contract. Regardless of whether they play on or not, the twins are sure to be remembered for the superhuman efforts over the last decade.