North Queensland Cowboys captain Michael Morgan announces retirement due to shoulder injury

North Queensland Cowboys captain Michael Morgan has announced his immediate retirement due to a chronic shoulder injury. 

Michael Morgan

Morgan, who was born and raised in Townsville, played his entire NRL career with the Cowboys, racking up 168 games for the team.

He also represented Queensland 12 times in State of Origin and played 12 Tests for Australia.

“It’s been well documented, the problems I have had with my shoulder and I’m now at a point where I am unable to continue playing with it,” Morgan told a press conference in Townsville.

“I’ve had an amazing career, one that I could only dream of as a kid.

“I got to live out my childhood dream and play for the Cowboys 168 times.

“I felt honoured every time I got to put on a Cowboys jersey.”

The 29-year-old signed a five-year, $5 million deal with North Queensland in 2017.

One of his career highlights was his role in the Cowboys’ first premiership win in 2015, when he sent the pass to Kyle Feldt to score in the corner and bring their grand final against the Broncos to extra time. 

Morgan’s offload in the dying stages of the 2015 grand final won’t be forgotten anytime soon around Townsville. (

AAP: Dean Lewins

)

“Even though it’s not how I would have liked to finish I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my career,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to play with and against some of my childhood heroes, I got to represent my state and country and was lucky enough to play in two grand finals.

“I’ve been extremely lucky to be able to come in every day for the past 11 years with my best mates and that’s what I’ll miss the most.

“I know it’s been a tough period at the moment, I know things will turn. I’ve got full confidence in Toddy (Todd Payten) his staff and the playing group.”

He thanked all the coaches he had learned from over the years, and his teammates for their friendship.

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“This club was made to give kids like me an opportunity to play in the NRL without having to go chase it in a big city,” he said.

“The fact that I was able to come through the system from 15 years old to captain the club, I am extremely proud of that.”

He thanked his family for their support, particularly his wife Bri and daughter Penelope.

“It is nice to be able to go home to Penelope and Bri,” he said.

“Bri has been on this journey for a very long time with me, she knows the rollercoaster I’ve ridden, and the battles I’ve had with my shoulder she has seen firsthand.

“I think there is a bit of relief for her to know that she doesn’t have to see me do it anymore.”

Morgan says shoulder ‘didn’t hold up’

Morgan last played for the Cowboys against the Dragons in round two, and said he had received a lot of support over the past fortnight.

“There was a tackle in the Dragons game where I felt a massive crunch through my shoulder, at the time it didn’t feel great, and scans confirmed that,” he said.

“Once I got through the preseason I did a lot with my shoulder, I did a lot of contact. I was confident with where it was at.

“Doubts about it had disappeared because of the work that I put in.

“I got it to a point where I was extremely confident and comfortable with it and it didn’t hold up.”

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said it was hard to put the success of Morgan’s career into words.

“He has been the heart and soul of this place for a long time,” Payten said.

“He’s always welcome inside this building. He’s a favourite son.”