Brett Morris’ 276-game NRL career appears all but over after scans showed the 34-year-old Sydney Roosters winger has a torn ACL.
Morris went down with the serious knee injury during the Roosters’ big win over Newcastle on Saturday night, with scans confirming the worst on Sunday morning.
Facing season-ending surgery, it places the former Kangaroos and NSW Origin star’s playing future in intense doubt, while Roosters prop Lindsay Collins’ season is also over after suffering a similar knee blow.
Morris’ place as the best winger ever is arguable, but his on-field heroics and off-field status as one of rugby league’s champions is not up for debate.
On Saturday night the Sydney Roosters star bravely walked off the field for possibly the last time, refusing a medicab despite suffering a suspected ACL injury.
The 34-year-old was in agony after being bundled over the sidelines in the dying minutes of the 38-4 victory against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Soon afterwards, vision showed Morris in tears in the sheds as the realisation hit him that his 16-year career could be over.
It made for tough viewing of the former St George Illawarra Dragons and Canterbury star who would be in the grand final for the NRL’s most consistently tough competitors.
Brett Morris (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Despite his age, Morris remains one of the most in-form players in the competition, leading the league with 11 tries this season, which puts the injury-hit Roosters in a tough spot.
“Footy rolls on so we’ll get back to it, we’ve got guys who haven’t played who need to come in and do their job,” said a devastated coach Trent Robinson on Saturday night.
“It’s just, no one gets a fairytale.
“Jake (Friend) didn’t get one.
“Brett didn’t get one…but they also did.
“If it is that case, we’ll confirm that. But they did get fairytales in the way their career was played.
“I’d like to think there’s a chance it won’t be what we think it is, but it’s a sad night for us.”
The Roosters fear ACL injuries for both Morris and Queensland prop Lindsay Collins, which would bring an end to the season for both.
Already the club is dealing with a hefty casualty ward which includes Boyd Cordner, Luke Keary and James Tedesco, while Friend was forced to medically retire last month.
Tedesco is set to return from a concussion to face Parramatta next week, but the injury to Morris leaves a gap in the backline.
Robinson could be tempted to call on highly-rated teenager Joseph Suaalii to make his anticipated NRL debut after the 17-year-old acted as 18th man for the Roosters on Saturday night.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good point What’s the difference between Dylan Walker and Brett Morris…? Hhhmmmm, I’ll need to think about that one….
Nayfo
Guest
If Sam Walker is "half busted" then I can't wait to see what he can do at full fitness.....maybe 10 TA's a game.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
It's placed there for effect, Spielberg would be proud.
Big Mig
Roar Rookie
Agree Pickett, BMoz a star, unfortunately (also for Friend) and I suspect Cordner will follow (sadly).
Emcie
Roar Guru
Someone could have edited the foot out of his pic...
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Given your apparent high moral code how do you rate posters who gloat when a player is injured? It was you who rejoiced when Dylan Walker was taken off with an injury. Courageous stuff from the lounge room isn't it? Take a wander in to the house of mirrors champion before misfiring once again.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
If Gould said it you and the herd would be all over it.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
There are quite a few .
JGK
Roar Guru
Such a disappointment. He was only 4 tries behind Menzies and 14 behind Slater in the all time try scoring lists.
Walter Black
Guest
add Cooper Cronk to that list
The Barry
Roar Guru
Wow, what a churlish time to pull a coach up, when he’s paying tribute to one of the games modern greats Good pick up, gronk
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Brett Morris is a champion. Shattered for him if he has to go out this way. Same with Friend. No fairytales in Rugby League or life.
RLFan
Roar Rookie
So sad for B Moz - he and brother Josh are wonderful role models for Rugby League, both on and off the field. Always giving their best, great talent and attitude. I loved them when they played for the Bulldogs, was sad to see them go, but always wished them well
Rob
Guest
I thought the Morris boys were gone a few years back. Certainly Brett has been exceptional good over his career and possibly has been in the best form of his life, sadly injury has stopped him. Made a comment about him being more slippery than his dad last night. It’s horrible to see any player hurt especially if it ends their career. Well done Brett Morris you had a wonderful career. Michael Morgan was cut down coming into his prime at 160 games, you got an amazing 270 and I’m sure we are all grateful for watching and everything you achieved. Thanks Brett.
Aiden
Guest
Solid gold champion. Not just a great athlete and tireless competitor, but a smart player as well. So rarely put a foot wrong, and played with a fantastic attitude, respect for others, teamwork. Great career.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Sad ending for B.Morris. Although the Roosters lose one of their best outside backs I don't think Sua'lii is an automatic selection. Matt Ikavalu has been one of their best whenever he has played so likely will be now the starting winger going forward.
Gold Coast Bunny
Roar Rookie
:crying:
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
That part of Brett not passing the try scoring list is a big disappointment for me.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
Sad ending for B Moz. Legend. At least he got the 2019 premiership to go with 2010.
Nat
Roar Guru
As soon as thre green whistle came out I thought the worst. Such a sh.tty way to end a great career. It's not only a huge loss for Easts but the game itself. He was a very good player for a very long time and if it's any consulation, he goes out at the very top of his game. Irvine was in trouble! Collins as well. His hard work pushed the dominant JWH to the bench and that has to be respected. Big loss for Qld as well.