Brett Morris has shrugged off suggestions that a troublesome knee will keep him from playing for the NSW VB Blues in Origin II, confident that he will do what is required to be right for the monster clash.
Morris, who has endured significant setbacks due to shoulder, hamstring and knee injuries over the past three years, found himself back in sky blue for the series opener, performing strongly outside centre Jarryd Hayne. The 30-year-old concedes the knee problem is something which will affect him throughout the remainder of his career, but insists it won't prevent him from being at his best come 21 June.
"It’s a bit sore after the game yesterday (against the Dragons)," Morris tells NSWRL.com.au. "I’ve got to do whatever’s necessary to recover but it’s no different than any other week.
"I’ll have to do what I have to do to get right for the game."
While Tom Trbojevic - 10 years Morris' junior - has been brought into camp with a view to one day represent his state, he is unlikely to be required for Game Two if no further injuries are sustained. It leaves Morris to take on Queensland for the 14th time - and following mass changes, he believes it's a much stronger side than they had for Game One.
"They’ve brought Billy (Slater) back, they’ve brought Thurston back and they’re both extremely good players who have performed at this level for year after year," Morris says. "They’re big bonuses to their side and they’ve got a couple of young debutants who are going to bring a lot of energy as well.
"The side that they’ve named is a very strong one and it’s going to make our job even harder."
The NSW VB Blues will aim to wrap up the series at home, with limited tickets still available for the game at ANZ Stadium.
