State of Origin: Josh Morris announces NSW retirement - again

Troy Whittaker

State of Origin: Josh Morris announces NSW retirement - again image

He answered Brad Fittler's SOS to start the State of Origin series but Josh Morris won't be coming out of representative retirement again.

The 32-year-old Cronulla Sharks centre quietly called time on his NSW career in 2017, however he was coaxed into pulling on the Blues jumper in Origin I with a shortage of centre options available.

As ever, Morris performed solidly in NSW's 18-14 loss to Queensland but wasn't required for the following match with the versatile Tom Trbojevic back to full fitness.

MORE: State of Origin: Johnathan Thurston takes aim at NSW media department in deleted Instagram post

After the Blues secured consecutive series wins on Wednesday night, a proud Morris took to Instagram to lightheartedly confirm he's finished as an Origin player – for real, this time.

"Well after last night['s] NSW series victory I think it’s time to officially announce my retirement AGAIN from representative footy," Morris wrote on Thursday.

"[In] all seriousness though thank you to Brad Fittler @nswrl1908 for giving me the opportunity to put the Blues jumper on one last time.

"It was special for my little girl to see her daddy play for the Blues and have photos and memories I will never forget."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Well after last night NSW series victory I think it’s time to officially announce my retirement AGAIN from representative footy 😝😂 I’m all seriousness though thank you to Brad Fittler @nswrl1908 for giving me the opportunity to put the blues jumper on one last time. It was special for my little girl to see her daddy play for the blues and have photos and memories I will never forget. To @boydcordner congratulations on leading the boys to back to back series wins inspirational last night mate. To @jamestedesco congrats on the Wally Lewis Medal you were a worthy recipient @damiencook91 you must’ve been close too!!! It was good to see @dalefinucane finally be rewarded with a debut well deserved and to all the other boys who played in the series congratulations on the victory last night it was a massive effort and I loved watching every minute of it!! Brad don’t bother calling next year @bronson.xerri should be ready!!! #225 #949 #bleedblue

A post shared by Josh Morris (@jmozzle) on

He singled out NSW captain Boyd Cordner, Wally Lewis Medal winner James Tedesco, hooker Damien Cook and rookie forward Dale Finucane for their efforts.

Morris signed off with a cheeky message for Fittler.

"Brad don't bother calling next year @Bronson.Xerri should be ready!!!" he said in reference to his 18-year-old Sharks teammate Bronson Xerri.

Cordner, Tedesco and fellow NSW players Tyson Frizell, Nick Cotric and Angus Crichton wished the popular Morris well in the comments of his post.

Morris boasts an Origin record of 15 games and six tries, and was involved in NSW's 2014 and now 2019 series victories.

Troy Whittaker