Josh Morris

[Headless Chook]

Doesn't he what !! Tupou was high class from game one for us. The try he set up for Mini in the GF against the Dogs is still one of my favourtie memorys as a Rooster fan !!

Hr represented NSW and Australia whilst he was with us, definitely not some unco reserve grader

[Easts75]

Hr represented NSW and Australia whilst he was with us, definitely not some unco reserve grader

I think he came to us from Newcastle and lost a heap of weight ? Was about to make his debut and broke his leg. He knuckled down and ended up achieving at all levels and had an outstanding career.

[Vasco]

I remember Anthony Tupou as being a slightly un-co reserve grader for us.

However, Carney got us to a GF (did nothing but drink piss for them) and Flanno's yet to disappoint. IMO we're on top but mostly because we're the better team + do more with players.

He didn't look too "un-co" when he made a break up the middle and set up Minichiello in the 2004 GF. Should have been the winning play but we blew it.

[Horry]

Cronulla veteran Josh Morris’ request for a release so that he can join his brother at the Roosters has formally been rejected.

The Sharks knocked back the NSW Origin star’s desire to be released on Tuesday morning via correspondence with his manager, David Riolo.

Morris was keen to link with twin brother Brett at the premiers where he could play centre, as the Roosters answer to a vacancy in their backline.

Cronulla were loathe to let Morris, 34, go for a number of reasons including the minimal impact his departure would have on easing significant pressure on their strained salary cap.

However, the overwhelming reason for the Sharks to reject Morris’ request is that he is pivotal to the Sharks’ backline, particularly ahead of round one with Matt Moylan (hamstring) and Bronson Xerri (off-season shoulder surgery) racing to be fit for the start of the season.

Morris has the ability to play centre, wing and fullback should Xerri or Moylan miss the start of the campaign.

Morris trained with the Sharks on Tuesday morning and will travel to Perth after being included in Cronulla’s NRL Nines squad, which will be announced today.

Morris was “filthy” on the Cronulla Sharks when coach John Morris signed Jesse Ramien from the Newcastle Knights.

Morris asked for a release to play the final year of his career at the Sydney Roosters, alongside his brother Brett.

The 33-year-old Origin star raised his concerns late last year with Morris, according to his agent David Riollo.

“Josh was disappointed the club signed someone above him,” Riolo told The Daily Telegraph.

“Nothing at all against Jesse but, as a senior player, it can be hard to take. But that’s life and Josh just got on with it although he was pretty filthy. We flagged it with the club back then.

“Again, it’s not Jesse. The club made the decision which they are entitled to do.”

The Roosters want him as a replacement for rookie Billy Smith, who had been earmarked to replace Latrell Mitchell in the centres.

iolo says Morris was reluctant to ask the Sharks for the release.

“He agonised for four days about approaching them,” Riolo said. “He likes John Morris and he loves the players.

“He wants to go because he wants to finish his career with his brother and play in his preferred position as a centre. That’s all this is about.”

Riolo insists there is no financial gain to switch clubs.

“The Roosters are prepared to pay exactly what he is on at the Sharks,” Riolo said.

“He’s got a contract at Cronulla and he respects that but the conditions have changed. He was signed as a centre but understands nothing is guaranteed.

“An appealing opportunity came up and that’s what he wants to do.”

Fox Sports’ James Hooper reported the Sharks would block the request to quit. This is despite the fact Ramien and Bronson Xerri would be the preferred choices as starting centres for the opening of the season.

The Sharks are also dealing with the delicate situation surrounding $900,000 outside back Josh Dugan.

“We still waiting for a response from the club,” Riolo said. “It’s not right that we are reading about in the media.”

Morris is just 14 games shy of becoming a 300-game NRL player at Sharks, Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons since he started in 2007.

Cronulla’s head of football Phil Moss was unavailable for comment last night. Josh Morris declined to comment.

[Jacks Fur Coat]

I think he came to us from Newcastle and lost a heap of weight ? Was about to make his debut and broke his leg. He knuckled down and ended up achieving at all levels and had an outstanding career.

Toups was a ripper...one of my favourite players of the day.

[Waerea-Beast!]

Toups was our best forward at the time. Easily.

[Salvatori Grubber]

Yep - was spewing when we let him go.

[Rooster1908]

Yep unreal player , Rads reminds me very much of Toups , all ticker

[ism22]

NRL's confirmed that Morris asked them if he could leave.

My experience with work is that it never goes well when a manager says 'no, you cannot leave'. You'll keep them in body, but not in soul.

[Rooster_6]

If he has requested a release I would be very surprised if they keep him.

He is the ultimate professional and would no doubt give it his all but as a club you've got to build a culture around players who want to be there.

[Vasco]

As a fan, it would be hard to support a player that wants to wear a different jumper.

[ism22]

As a fan, it would be hard to support a player that wants to wear a different jumper.

Yeah. IMO denying him a chance to play with his twin when you've already got Ramien & Xerri is a bit of a d!ck move.

TBH this is where Nick and Robbo have class. Of course every team wants to win at all costs. However, you've gotta pick your battles. Is fighting for Josh Morris when you've already replaced him and he wants to play with his twin THAT useful in the scheme of things? You've gotta pick your battles. IMO Latrell and Morris are two classic examples of times where there's absolutely nothing to gain by putting your foot down.

[Tommy Smith]

It's a massive dick move and won't work out well for anybody.

Once they realise they're stuck with Duges they'll likely release JMoz.

Otherwise a player swap for Ryan Hall makes sense.

[Rooster1908]

Otherwise a player swap for Ryan Hall makes sense.[/QUOTE]

Yes please fixes 2 issues at once

[RoosterChick]

Otherwise a player swap for Ryan Hall makes sense.

Yes please fixes 2 issues at once[/QUOTE]

Ryan Hall never had a chance to get going last season.
Hopefully he can get back after the latest injury and play the whole season.
I’ve watched him play many times and when fit he’s a beast out wide. Don’t write him off. I still think he’s got a lot to offer given the chance.