https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sp...s/news-story/2864cade51433b7b3598d13640997a05
Gold Coast Titans ponder offer to Josh Morris
Gold Coast are mulling over an approach to Canterbury centre Josh Morris as they consider shoring up their weakness out wide by convincing the former NSW State of Origin representative to finish his career in southeast Queensland.
The Bulldogs have asked to be kept in the loop on the future of the Morris brothers — Josh and twin Brett — but are facing a fight to retain the pair in the face of interest from far and wide.
The Australian revealed last week that Parramatta were interested in both Josh and his brother Brett, although they have since signed Blake Ferguson in a move which may scupper their move for the twins.
It is understood the Eels were the only club interested in signing the brothers as a package deal, meaning their hopes of playing together next season are all but over.
Cronulla have also been linked with Josh while St George Illawarra are believed to be monitoring Brett’s situation. The Titans have struggled in the centres this season, although they recently signed Dale Copley to an extended deal as they looked to strengthen their backline.
Brenko Lee has spent much of the season in the side but is off contract at the end of the year and is yet to convince.
The Titans also have Konrad Hurrell under contract, although he has more recently been in NSW Cup amid speculation he is free to leave if he can find another club.
Hence the interest in Josh Morris, one of Canterbury’s most consistent performers when he has been fit this year.
He has been restricted to 11 games but has scored six tries and defended strongly, the latter more influential in the Gold Coast’s thinking given the club has struggled defensively in the centres.
The Titans are building strongly for next year, having already recruited former Australian prop Shannon Boyd and Penrith utility Tyrone Peachey.
Josh Morris would give them experience and a steady hand out wide, as well as a strong influence in the dressing room.
The Bulldogs, however, will not give up without a fight, having improved their salary cap immeasurably by allowing Moses Mbye and Aaron Woods to make mid-season moves to the Wests Tigers and Cronulla respectively.
While the club isn’t in position to sign marquee names, they do have the capacity to compete for Josh Morris’ signature.
Brett Morris is another matter, the Bulldogs having already signed three wingers for next season. He could yet return to St George Illawarra given Dragons winger Jason Nightingale appears certain to retire at season’s end.
The Titans have done much of their work for next year with Boyd and Peachey poised to join on long-term deals. Peachey yesterday insisted he had no regrets about leaving the Panthers, having been lured north by Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan, who formerly worked at Penrith.
“I can’t wait to get up there next year,” Peachey said.
