Belmore bound Josh Morris has only been in training with his new club for a few weeks, but the mind games and sledging with twin brother Brett has already started.
Morris is one of the Bulldogs’ 2009 new faces, along with form Brisbane prop Ben Hannant, Broncos hooker Michael Ennis and prominent no.7 Brett Kimmorley.
Having played alongside twin brother Brett for most of their junior years before linking with St George Illawarra in 2005, next year will be the first time the talented brothers will go head-to-head and it seems they are relishing the upcoming square off.
“Yeah, there’s been a fair bit said already,” Josh smirked.
“Now we’ve started to get back into pre-season training we’ve had a few words.
“It’s going to be very interesting when we play each other and I’m looking forward to going out there and smashing him.”
The twin won’t have to wait long, with the Bulldogs and Saints set to lock horns in a pre-season clash at WIN Stadium on February 21.
While bragging rights not just over his brother Brett will be at stake, but also sledging rights over old Dragons team-mates too should the departing twin get 1 up on his old crew. Josh yesterday revealed the Bulldogs’ biggest motivation was the prospect of a round one showdown with premiers Manly next season.
Manly became the new competition benchmark after their 40-0 thrashing of Melbourne in the grand final.
The Bulldogs, under new coach Kevin Moore, have been back at training for the past three weeks, involving rigorous boxing, gym and swimming sessions.
Rebuilding after a horrific year which saw them finish with the wooden spoon, Morris said the chance for the Bulldogs to tackle the Sea Eagles in the season opener was spurring on the players.
“If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,” Morris said yesterday.
“Everyone at the club has forgotten about what happened this year and (are) just looking forward.
“And playing Manly first-up next year is going to be a very big game.”
After an outstanding season for the Dragons, Morris yesterday revealed he was likely to start at his preferred left centre position with the Bulldogs.
Morris said he had held discussions with Moore about his playing role.
“We’ve had a couple of talks and he’s kind of indicated that left centre might be the position he has in mind for me,” he said.
“But whether it’s on the right or left I’m just enjoying the fresh start and my chance at the Dogs.”