Cowboy's Michael Morgan has displayed his hunger to play in the halves for Queensland this year, as the North Queensland captain prepares for the long run to get his club back in finals discussion.
Morgan helped himself to a try in Saturday's win against the Dragons, whilst also setting another up for his teammate.
The 27-year-old has played both fullback and centre for the Maroons during his nine career Origin appearances. He has also proven himself on the world stage, featuring in 12 tests for Australia, six of which positioned at five-eighth.
After starting game one of last year's origin series at fullback, Morgan succumbed to a season-ending bicep injury. His personal goal in 2019 is to become a lock at the halves for the Maroons.
"I want to get back to playing Origin. I missed the last two games last year because of injury and I played the first game at fullback which is not really my preferred position," Morgan told NRl Media.
"I think I played two club games at fullback before Origin One last year so I probably wasn't overly ready for it. I loved the opportunity. I enjoyed the game and I thought I went all right there, but I'd love to play in the halves for Queensland. That's probably my first (goal) - that's individual."
Queensland have several avenues they can go down when considering a halves pair, with Cameron Munster and Daly Cherry-Evans the keys in the past. However there will be added pressure for spots from the likes of Ben Hunt, Anthony Milford and Kalyn Ponga.
Maroons chairman of selectors Gene Miles was delighted to hear about Morgan's desire to play in the halves for Queensland.
"Morgo has been part of our setup for coming up to five years now. He started playing off the bench but he defintely deserves a starting jumper," Miles told NRL.com.
"I've got no doubt if Morgo continues to play the way he does then he will put a lot of pressure on everybody involved to get his starting gig. He's always been highly thought of. He's in the 17 for sure, whether he's number 17, number seven, number four or number one. He will be a 10-year player for us no doubt and has deserved his spot every time."
Miles said Morgan's new role as Cowboys' captain will only benefit and bring out the best in him.
"I think he will bring something else to the team with his leadership now that he has the little 'c' beside his name. It is a little added responsibility and he knows he has got to lead the way like his former skipper (Jonhathon Thurston) did for the Cowboys for so long," Miles said.
The Cowboys face the Broncos in Round 2 of the NRL Friday at Suncorp Stadium.