This weekend’s elimination final between the Bulldogs and Panthers will see Brett Morris wear the number one jersey for the blue and whites for the first time this season.
His selection at the back is due to Will Hopoate not being available for selection due to religious reasons.
“It’s disappointing that Will won’t there because he’s been one of our best all year, but if you can replace him with someone like Brett – that’s pretty handy at this time of the year,” centre Josh Morris said.
The twins have enjoyed plenty of success down the left flank since Brett’s return from injury and with the shift from the wing to fullback this weekend, Josh doesn’t see the change as too much of a distraction.
“It’s not too much of a disruption at all.
“He trained and played there all of last year and he’s comfortable with his role. He knows his job, but I guess it will be up to me to help out who is outside me defensively throughout the week and making sure we’re on the same page.
“I think Hoppa has been great in both defence and attack. He’s put himself in the right places throughout the year and that’s what we need Brett to do.
“We all know how good of a finisher Brett is and whenever he gets half a chance, he seems to finish them.
“Hopefully he puts himself in good positions this weekend and comes up with a couple of tries.”
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It will be the first time Brett plays at the back in 2016 and with that comes an increase in workload, but seeing what he did in 2015, there will be no doubt he will handle the change.
“He’s going to have to pick up his workload this week. He’s probably been limited while he’s been on the wing, but he’s looking forward to it.
“I think he really enjoyed last year and playing fullback, so he’s really going to enjoy playing there on the weekend.”
The new man to come onto the wing is Tyrone Phillips and while it may only be his fifth game of the season, there is plenty of confidence within the camp that he will do a great job.
“Tyrone’s a great player, but it’s all about communication and making sure we’re on the same page throughout the week.”
