http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...h-of-first-child/story-e6frep5x-1226117779856
DRAGONS winger Brett Morris has put fatherhood before his club's finals charge after he was yesterday given permission to remain in Wollongong for the birth of his first child.
As his teammates yesterday travelled to Melbourne to face the Storm tonight, Morris contemplated how his life would change. His partner is due to give birth to their first child this morning.
Dragons officials said they still hope the 24-year-old can make a last-minute dash to Melbourne this afternoon.
It could hardly have come at a worse time for the Dragons, with the loss of Morris and centre Mark Gasnier (hip flexor) robbing the under-siege side of strike weapons on both sides of the field as they stare at a fifth straight defeat.
Morris did not train with teammates yesterday and is likely to return to the NRL for the match against the Warriors next week.
Coach Wayne Bennett was silent yesterday about who is likely to replace Morris on the wing with obvious replacement Peni Tagive yet to travel. Kyle Stanley has been named to replace Gasnier, with Dragons officials declaring Jamie Soward (back spasms) a certain starter.
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Morris's manager David Riolo said Morris was certainly capable of making the whirlwind trip and playing in one of his club's biggest games of the season a few hours after touching down in Melbourne.
"He may well play," Riolo said, saying it hinged on when the baby is born.
Back-rower Ben Creagh said the Dragons can still overcome the loss of Gasnier and Morris as they seek to get their premiership defence back on track.
"We've just got to worry about getting the team right and getting a good 80 minutes in," Creagh said.
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