The Cronulla Sharks are holding firm on blocking a request from former Test and Origin centre Josh Morris to join back-to-back premiers the Sydney Roosters effective immediately.

The Roosters approached Morris about reuniting with twin brother Brett at the Tricolours this season in the wake of young gun Billy Smith sustaining an ACL injury last month.

The Morris twins, 33 have previously played together at St George Illawarra and Canterbury-Bankstown.

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Round 19

But with Josh Dugan on the outer and facing an uncertain future at Cronulla the Sharks have so far rejected the approach about Morris being released.

The Morris twins, the sons of champion St George winger Steve “Slippery” Morris, have long been ornaments to the game of rugby league representing NSW and Australia over the course of decorated 15-year careers.

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Josh Morris etched his name into NSW State of Origin folklore when he defied a serious knee injury in the 2014 series to come from across the sideline and stop Greg Inglis from scoring with the game in the balance.

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But whereas Brett Morris has won two premierships – one with St George Illawarra under Wayne Bennett in 2010 and one last year under Trent Robinson – a grand final ring has so far eluded Josh.

As it stands right now, the Sharks will not be releasing Josh Morris.

The majority of the Roosters 2019 premiership-winning side will depart for their overseas tilt at winning back-to-back World Club Challenges on Thursday.

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The Roosters first stop in Europe will be Spain where the NRL champions will spend time with champion soccer club Barcelona FC.

The Roosters will then meet ex-teammate James Maloney and Israel Folau for a trial match hitout against Super League club Catalans Dragons.

The NRL champions will then travel to Manchester to begin preparations for the World Club Challenge showdown against Super League champions St Helens.