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News Brett Morris retires


Sydney Roosters | June 7 2021 12:40PM

Sydney Roosters winger Brett Morris has today announced his immediate retirement from rugby league.

In career-best form, Morris' 2021 season was cut short by an ACL injury, sustained in the final moments of the Roosters' match against the Newcastle Knights in early May.

As he looks to the future, Morris has made the decision that the Round 8 fixture, in which he also captained the Roosters, was his last after 16 seasons of top-grade football.

"Not everybody gets to go out on their own terms, but looking back over my career, I've been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunities I've had, and I hang up the boots a very proud and content man, knowing that the time is right," said Morris.

"There are many people who have played an important role in helping me in my career throughout the years, and I'd like to extend my thanks to them all, right back to my junior club the Kiama Knights.

"In the NRL, I've been fortunate to be coached by and to play with some of the game's best, and I'm grateful to all the coaches and teammates I've had over the years.

"More recently, it's been an honour to wear the Sydney Roosters jersey and I will always be proud to have captained the side in what was my final match.

Brett's professional approach to his training, playing and recovery is testament to the man he is. He is a man of integrity and has been a great mentor to his teammates, making those around him better, both on and off the field.

Trent Robinson
Sydney Roosters Head Coach


"To Trent and the coaching and performance staff, I found a new lease on life here at the Roosters. Since I first walked through the door in late 2018, I have been challenged every day, but because of that, I've also had some of my most enjoyable memories on and off the footy field.

"To my current teammates, we're a tight group and it was a privilege every time I got to run out with you. To one teammate in particular, it was awesome to be able to start and finish my career with my brother Josh, and the memories we made are some I'll cherish forever.

"Family is incredibly important to me, and I certainly wouldn't have been in the position to enjoy 16 seasons in the NRL without the unwavering support of my mother Karen, my siblings, and most of all, my wife Kate and our children Emily, Ellie and James."

34-year-old Morris retires in fourth position on the list of all-time try scorers and is a two-time Premiership winner (Sydney Roosters 2019, St George Illawarra Dragons 2010).

Morris made his NRL debut with the St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 9 of the 2006 season, amassing 169 games for the Club. He played 68 games for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs over four seasons (2015-2018), before linking with the Roosters in 2019 (39 games).

In the representative arena, Morris played 18 Tests for Australia (2009-2014) and made 15 appearances for New South Wales between 2010 and 2017. He also played for the NRL All Stars (2011), NSW Country (2012) and Prime Minister's XVIII (2013).

He also holds the feat of being a two-time World Club Challenge Man of the Match recipient (2012, 2019).

Player 1182, Morris made his Club debut with the Sydney Roosters in the opening round of the 2019 season, scoring seven tries in 15 appearances. He played an instrumental role on the wing in the Roosters' 2019 Grand Final victory and was named in the NRL Team of the Decade spanning 2010-2019.

Morris scored 12 tries in 17 appearances for the Roosters in 2020. Incredibly, he scored 11 tries in just 7 appearances in 2021.

Looking back over my career, I've been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunities I've had, and I hang up the boots a very proud and content man, knowing that the time is right

Brett Morris
Sydney Rooster #1182


Sydney Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, lauded Morris for his achievements throughout his career.

"The way Brett has gone about playing the game throughout his career is testament to the incredible athlete and character that he is, and it's been a true honour to coach him," said Robinson.

"Brett is one of the best, if not the best, finishers in the history of our game, and it is important we acknowledge his achievements over the years; not only at Club level but also in the representative arena.

"Brett's professional approach to his training, playing and recovery is testament to the man he is. He is a man of integrity and has been a great mentor to his teammates, making those around him better, both on and off the field.

"Fairy tales take shape in different forms, and while Brett didn't get the end to his career he so richly deserved, an exciting new chapter is about to begin for him, and on behalf of the playing group and everyone at the Club, we wish Brett, Kate, Emily, Ellie and James all the very best," he added.
 

JamesRustle

First Grade
Messages
6,477
Onya B Moz - the better twin (J Moz always got his timing wrong in leaving or following him around trying to get a premiership).
 

zombiebloodlust

Juniors
Messages
785
Compare the pair



In May 2006, Brett Morris made his NRL debut – the same month as a certain Eels winger: Jarryd Hayne. Despite a brilliant debut season in which he scored 12 tries in 19 games, and helped the Dragons reach the prelim final (losing to a cap-cheating Storm), Brett did not win the rookie of the year award. The award went to Hayne.



Morris copped a season-ending shoulder injury early in 2007, the year Hayne made his representative debut for New South Wales. Brett would have to wait until 2010 to play the first of his 15 games for NSW. They both featured in just one series victory during a dominant Queensland era.



Brett played for Australia 18 times, scoring 23 tries. Hayne played 11, for 11 tries.



Morris won two premierships. Hayne won two Dally Ms, but zero premierships.



In May, 2021, 15 years after his NRL debut, Brett Morris played his last game of football. Rupturing his ACL and subsequently retiring, one of the most universally respected and admired players in recent memory.



Also in May 2021, Jarryd Hayne was sentenced to 5 years and 9 months in prison after being found convicted of rape.
 

Exsilium

First Grade
Messages
9,517
Fantastic player. Deserved a better send off but he will go down as one of the all round greats of the game.
 
Messages
14,479
I was hoping he’d get another year and finally take out all time try scored record.

I remember a years back when he was first try scorer more often than not and they put on a betting special for him each week. Lol.

Some players play so long you forget a time when they weren’t playing. 2006 I wasn’t married, didn’t have kids, etc etc. They play so long that once they go, and are good personality’s, it’s actually a hole left behind in the comp.

I guess, it’s a sad day for him and us the fans. I’m lucky to have seen him play.
Thank you.
 

jargan83

Coach
Messages
14,883
I guess the writing may have been on the wall after his injury but it's still a sad way for him to pull the pin.

One of the greatest wingers to ever lace up a boot and I wish him the best for his future.
 
Last edited:

Valheru

Coach
Messages
17,509
I was hoping he’d get another year and finally take out all time try scored record.

I remember a years back when he was first try scorer more often than not and they put on a betting special for him each week. Lol.

Some players play so long you forget a time when they weren’t playing. 2006 I wasn’t married, didn’t have kids, etc etc. They play so long that once they go, and are good personality’s, it’s actually a hole left behind in the comp.

I guess, it’s a sad day for him and us the fans. I’m lucky to have seen him play.
Thank you.
Circa 2009 and 2010 there were games where he was sub $5 with the bookies to be first try scorer.

I can't really recall anyone else being below $7
 

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