Josh Morris will join his brother Brett in retirement at the end of the NRL season with the champion centre to call time on his illustrious rugby league career.
The 35-year-old will finish the season with the Sydney Roosters, ending a 15-year NRL career that encompassed six tests for Australia and 15 State of Origin games for NSW.
It will bring the curtain down on a decorated NRL career in which Morris has played 322 games for St George Illawarra, Canterbury, Cronulla and now the Roosters.
He is yet to win an NRL premiership despite grand finals with the Bulldogs in 2012 and 2014 and is aiming to go out on a title with the Roosters in 2021.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision,” Morris said on Monday.
“I’ve been enjoying my footy and love being around the team we have here at the Roosters, but I’m very comfortable that this is the right call.
“I’ve been blessed to play 15 seasons in the toughest rugby league competition in the world.
“I’ve had some wonderful opportunities and made some lifelong friendships and memories along the way, right back to my junior days with the Kiama Knights.”
It follows the immediate retirement of his twin brother Brett earlier this year, who suffered an ACL injury that prematurely ended his season.
The two started their careers together at the Dragons and went on to play alongside each other at the Bulldogs before reuniting at the Roosters in 2020, when a salary cap squeezed forced him out of the Sharks.
Defying their age, the twins reached the top of their game again under coach Trent Robinson.
Both are in the top 10 tryscorers of all time – Brett is fourth with 176 while Josh is 10th with 157 across his NRL career.
Josh will have the chance to add to the tally if named to return from a hamstring injury for the Roosters on Thursday night against Canberra.
His retirement brings to an end a remarkable 42-year legacy for the Morris family after his father Steve made his debut for the Dragons back in 1979.
The trio have scored 455 tries between them across a combined 845 first grade games.
“It’s been a real joy to coach Josh over the last two seasons,” said roosters coach Trent Robinson.
“To watch the way he has gone about playing the game throughout his entire career is a reflection of the wonderful athlete and person that he is.
“Josh is one of the best of all time in his position, and his achievements, not only at club level, but also in the representative arena, deserve to be celebrated.”
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
His pathway to NRL on a regular basis was blocked by Cooper and Gasnier not sure any other club would have done anything differently. We kept the better Morris
egbert
Guest
That is the true end of an era, and a farewell to one of the absolutely best fellows in the game. Assuming the Roosters don't win it this year, another compelling option in the debate over best player never to win a premiership.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
Always admired both boys (had trouble telling them apart) & loved watching them play. Always 100% effort & showed pure joy in playing. Should be, justifiably, proud of themselves & the legacy they leave. Sad that Brett wasn't able choose his own retirement date as well. I wish there were more players like the Morris twins.
Tony
Roar Guru
Far worse than that I'm afraid.
Paul
Roar Guru
agreed. It was one of those "it seemed like a good idea" moments, a bit like Vaughan suggesting the boys come back for a barbeque.
Tony
Roar Guru
It's right up there mate, but the biggest clanger of them all was to agree to the merger with Illawarra.
Paul
Roar Guru
nah, there's plenty more zingers like that one to choose from Jimmy. The Dragons seem to have made a habit of making stupid decisions in the past 20 years
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Both Moz (what is the collective noun a group of Mozes?) played wonderfully and found the potential with the ability that they had, kept their heads down and were consummate professionals throughout. They should be made ambassadors by the NRL for the game at junior level if they so choose.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Of all the decisions made by your club that ended poorly , that's the worst one by a mile. Both should have been Dragons for life.
Pete
Guest
Sad to think the NRL will be without the Morris brothers next year. Wish them both nothing but the best with their retirement.
Tony
Roar Guru
An the fact that the Dragons let them go is still hard to reconcile
Nat
Roar Guru
All the best J-Moz. Couldn't have been a better example of an NRL player and human. That footage of Josh and Brett running in stride is an iconic piece of NRL imagery and I'm glad I'll get to tell my kids about the Morris Bros and their old man.
Paul
Roar Guru
"Defying their age, the twins reached the top of their game again under coach Trent Robinson." Seriously? There are precious few footballers who can showcase their talents every week across such a long period of time and go out of the game on their own terms. Josh Morris was a great talent who used every bit of his ability in every game he played. He and his brother are perfect examples for any parent to show kids how the game should be played. I hope he enjoys a long and happy retirement.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Great, great career. Deserves all the accolades he gets. He played with a consistent intensity that few manage. Enjoy your retirement . I know your body will.
kk
Roar Pro
Josh's combo with Ben Barba was a trip to a blue and white paradise.
Tony
Roar Guru
In another week of controversy, and players dragging the game into the news for the wrong reasons, one of the truly great players retires from the game. Both Josh, and his twin brother Brett, always gave their best on the field, were true sportsmen in every sense of the word, and were wonderful ambassadors for the game throughout their entire careers. It is possible. Well done boys.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
His best years were at the Dogs. Unlucky to never win a title. Well done JMoz.