Another Morris is pulling on the famous Red V... and has his sights set on the NRL.
Dylan Morris, son of Steve “Slippery” Morris and brother of Josh and Brett, is plying his trade for St George Illawarra’s Jersey Flegg side – and he’s desperate to make a name all for himself.
“We’re half-brothers – we’ve got the same dad, Slippery – but we’ve always been close,” Dylan tells NSWRL.com.au of NSW True Blues Josh and Brett.
“We’re a close family, we never really call each other half-brothers, just brothers really.
“They’ve had a huge influence, watching them while growing up. Seeing them at club footy, as a little kid you’re always down there. You don't really realise until you grow up how big it is that they’re playing in the NRL, how hard they had to work – it’s a big credit to them. Especially with all the Origins on that stage, it’s just awesome watching them play.”
Dylan, a livewire fullback, crossed for a try in the Dragons under-20 team’s 20-12 victory over Mounties at Wollongong, the scene of many Morris tries over the years. In fact, there are some striking similarities in the Rugby League development of Josh and Brett, and the path Dylan is taking.
“I’ve lived in Kiama my whole life, just half an hour from the 'Gong. We all went to the same high school, Kiama High, and we’ve got the same club too, the Kiama Knights,” Dylan says.
“It’s a bit upsetting now they’re getting older and I don’t get to see them as much with their injuries and whatnot but it’s been very exciting to watch them play and they’ve really given me the path to follow.
“Just little tips, mainly on attitude – 'don’t get ahead of yourself, don’t party too much… you may need to miss out on a few times when your friends are all out'. Just that attitude, and hopefully working hard enough to get where you want.
“It’s definitely the goal [to make the NRL]. I’ve got this year in Jersey Flegg playing against my own age then hopefully I can show my wares and start playing against the men.”
If the Dragons’ Jersey Flegg side continues to win matches, expect to see more of Dylan – and his famous brothers.
“They live in the Shire, they’ve got a busy schedule and come when they can – they are always at my grand finals. They do support us whenever they get the time,” he says.
“They’re both at the Bulldogs now. They’ve got to support me even if they’re in the blue and I’m in the red.
“They won their Jersey Flegg Grand Final so hopefully we can do the same this year.”
Image: Blake Edwards
