Sydney Roosters centre Josh Morris has today announced that he will retire from rugby league at the conclusion of the 2021 NRL season.
35-year-old Morris, who has played 322 first grade games to date, said that after 15 seasons in the NRL, the time was right to move on to the next chapter of his life.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this decision. 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,” said Morris.
“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.
“Since getting my start in the NRL, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to play with and be coached by some of the game’s best, both at club level and in the representative arena, and I’d like to extend my thanks to all my teammates and coaches over the years.
Josh Morris Retirement Message
“To Trent Robinson and the coaching and performance staff, and my current teammates here at the Sydney Roosters, it’s a privilege every time I get to wear this jersey. This is a proud club and we’re a tight bunch, and I’m looking forward to getting back out on the field and ripping in with you all for the rest of the year.
“I’d like to single out one teammate in particular, my brother Brett. To start and finish my career at the same club as Brett, and to share the memories we have is something I’ll always cherish.
“There’s no doubt that I wouldn’t be in the position to enjoy 15 seasons in the NRL without the incredible support of my mother Karen, my siblings, and most of all, my wife Elise and our children Cali and Jesse.”
To Trent Robinson and the coaching and performance staff, and my current teammates here at the Sydney Roosters, it’s a privilege every time I get to wear this jersey. This is a proud club and we’re a tight bunch, and I’m looking forward to getting back out on the field and ripping in with you all for the rest of the year.
Josh Morris Sydney Rooster #1192
Morris has already cemented his place inside the Top 10 list of all-time try-scorers and is a two-time grand finalist to date (2012, 2014).
He made his NRL debut with the St George Illawarra Dragons in the opening round of the 2007 season, playing 46 games before shifting to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs where he played 217 games with the club between 2009-2018. He played 25 games with the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks across 2019-2020 before linking with the Roosters in 2020 where he has amassed 34 appearances so far.
In the representative arena, Morris played 6 Tests for Australia (2009-2014) and made 15 appearances for New South Wales (2009-2019). He also played for the NRL All Stars (2010) and represented NSW Country and the Prime Minister’s XIII on three occasions. Morris was also named the Dally M Centre of the Year in 2012.
Player 1192, Morris made his Club debut with the Sydney Roosters in the third round of the 2020 season. He has scored 19 tries in his 34 appearances to date.
Josh Morris Career Highlights
Sydney Roosters Head Coach, Trent Robinson, praised Morris for his achievements throughout his career.
“It’s been a real joy to coach Josh over the last two seasons. To watch the way that he has gone about playing the game throughout his entire career is a reflection of the wonderful athlete and person that he is,” said Robinson.
“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.
“We all love Josh. He has been incredibly generous in sharing his experience with the younger players around him, and we look forward to seeing out the year together,” he added.
