Josh Morris has been a name synonymous in rugby league circles for a decade. In Round 4 the Bulldogs centre will celebrate his 200th NRL game in the highly anticipated Good Friday clash with the Rabbitohs.
Morris debuted at fullback for the Dragons in 2007 against the Gold Coast Titans in their first ever game – one that saw him edge out his twin brother Brett, who debuted for the Red V the season prior, for a place in the team.
They have been competing – against each other and together – ever since.
It's something Morris believes helped the two take their own separate strides in the NRL.
"I had a good pre-season [in 2007] and I think Brett was injured at the time so I ended up going ahead of him to get my call-up. It was a good feeling. It's been good being able to compete against each other ever since I guess," Morris said.
"It probably helped us while playing for separate clubs, trying to forge our own identities. But it's good to have him back here now. It made us want to play good so we could get in the rep sides together.
"At the same time with dad [Steve Morris] having played at the Dragons there were always comparisons. So coming to the Bulldogs I had to make it on my own.
"It's good [Brett and I] have done that since and are back together here. It'll be good to finish our careers at the same club."
Admitting it was tough to leave the Dragons at first, Morris said he wouldn't change anything for the world declaring he is now a Bulldog through and through.
It was only in Round 1 where the 29-year-old celebrated his 150th game for the Belmore-based club.
"I would've loved to have stayed at the Dragons but it wasn't the way it panned out. In saying that, I wouldn't change anything for the world. I love this club and they have always looked after me," Morris said.
"People ask me whether I think I'm a Dragon or a Bulldog and I tell them I'm definitely a Bulldog. I've played eight seasons here now and it's taken up a big part of my life and I owe a lot to the club for giving me a chance."
On his brother Brett, who was ruled out long term on the eve of season with a knee injury, Morris said the Bulldogs fullback was in a good place as he prepares to begin his recovery.
"Brett's off his crutches this week and he'll start up training and we'll see how the knee goes. It could be three months, could be two depending on how it has healed," Morris said.
"He seems to be a lot more positive about the injury now. Initially he was a bit frustrated that he was going to be on the sidelines for a fair bit of time but now he knows the problem is fixed he's in a better frame of mind."
