You can immediately tell when some players have superstar talent the minute they run onto the footy field, and 20-year old North Queensland half Michael Morgan was one of those players – who enjoyed a stellar finish to the 2012 NRL season alongside experienced half Johnathan Thurston.

It was after an injury to Ray Thompson that sidelined him for the rest of the season, that saw Morgan assume the halfback role – a role he immediately relished in, grabbing the opportunity with open arms.

But despite that solid end to the season, with a rejuvenated Thompson to choose from, as well as troublesome half Robert Lui, Morgan knows that he is no guarantee to make the side.

Whilst Morgan wants the halfback role, both Thompson and Lui want it just as much.

“A hundred per cent…it's going to be interesting to see what happens in the pre-season,” Thompson said.

With Lui also able to play at hooker, the former Wests Tigers half prefers to play in the halves.

“I guess it's no s

urprise that I prefer being in the halves, but that decision is not up to me,” Lui said.

Age is on Morgan's side, and at just 20, he is the youngest of the three players jostling for the role – but Morgan is hungry for the spot just as much as Thompson and Lui are.

“Definitely, that's my goal,” he said

“I want to try and be there in round one – if not, I'll just have to keep working towards it and try and get my foot in the door again.

“I've had a good off-season this year – it's the first time in a couple of years that I haven't needed surgery.

“I've had a good break and I'm feeling good, so I'm looking forward to it.”

Morgan intends to take things in his stride, and will not be fazed by the speculation and intimidation surrounding the eventual decision.

“There is a lot of competition there this year, so I don't know…I guess I'm looking forward to it,” he said.

“It's good for the club that they have a few options and there's competition for spots.

“I'll just see how I go during the pre-season.”

zp8497586rq

By ricky