Brett Morris in training at the University of Wollongong this morning.
Even at the dawn of a new NRL season, Dragons flyer Brett Morris is eyeing a remarkable representative treble.
As if the chance to prove the doubters wrong and use his tryscoring talents to help lift the Dragons back into premiership contention isn’t enough, the stars could align for higher honours for Morris.
Already selected as an NRL All Star for the annual preseason showcase against the best indigenous players in Brisbane on Saturday week, Morris said the chance to play in a winning State of Origin series and World Cup was a major motivation this year.
‘‘The World Cup is such a big event and everyone wants to be part of it,’’ he said.
‘‘Everyone is going to be trying to play out of their skins to try and be on that tour.
‘‘For me personally, it’s just about doing the little things right and doing the things I know work for me.
‘‘Hopefully I can maintain that form and get that shot at the end of the year.’’
GALLERY: St George Illawarra Dragons put through their paces
Morris will make his second appearance for the All Stars team, after scoring a try in the 28-12 victory over the Indigenous team in 2011.
Last year the Kiama junior scored 14 tries, even though he only played 10 games on the wing after spending much of the season at fullback.
He believes a permanent shift to his favoured position on the end of the St George Illawarra left side will enhance his prospects of representative selection.
Last year Morris scored his first try in his sixth State of Origin game, but NSW were unable to break Queensland’s stranglehold, losing 21-20 at Suncorp Stadium.
He wasn’t picked for games one and two while wearing the No 1 jersey for the Dragons.
‘‘When they’re picking rep sides, if you’re playing fullback, they’re not looking at you to play on the wing, so it will help with that aspect,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve played a lot footy on the wing now and I’m very comfortable with that position and know what Pricey (coach Steve Price) wants from me and my involvement in the team.
‘‘I’m looking forward to getting out there round one and really ripping in.’’
The World Cup will be played in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland in October and November.
Morris debuted for Australia in 2009, the year after the last World Cup, and has scored 11 tries in 10 games in green and gold.
While the dream of an All Stars, Origin and World Cup clean sweep - as well as the Dragons returning to the NRL finals series - is months away, Morris has full confidence in Daley’s ability to succeed where Ricky Stuart couldn’t last year.
Queensland have won the last seven Origin series and last week master mentor Wayne Bennett - who led Morris and the Dragons to NRL title glory in 2010 - had doubts whether Daley could turn it around for the Blues, because he is untested as a top-level representative coach.
‘‘I haven’t spoken to Laurie yet,’’ Morris said.
‘‘What Sticky (Stuart) did in (rebuilding) the last couple of years was incredible, but it’s Laurie’s chance and I’m sure he’s looking at who he wants to play in the (NSW) side.
‘‘I had Loz coaching me with Country last year, he’s a good coach and hopefully I’m playing footy to be picked.’’