The Cronulla Sharks are on a collision course with champion centre Josh Morris, who has asked for an immediate release to join back-to-back premiers the Sydney Roosters.

Despite the Sharks denying a request from Morris to join his brother Brett at the Roosters, Fox Sports understands the former Test and Origin flyer intends to continue to push for out of Cronulla.

Aside from wanting to reunite with twin brother Brett in the twilight of their careers at the Roosters, Morris also wants to finish his career in the centres.

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Round 19

The Sharks are in a tough position over the ongoing problem of $900,000 outside back Josh Dugan and can ill-afford to let an experienced star like Morris walk away from the club.

But given Cronulla splashed out to bring Jesse Ramien back to the club to play in the centres on a four year deal, there is clearly two sides to this story.

It’s understood Josh Morris wants to finish his career in the centres. Picture: Jason McCawley Source: Getty Images

With Ramien at right centre and young gun Bronson Xerri on the left, Morris has been forced to the wing unless there is an injury or suspension.

At 33, Morris no longer sees himself as a winger and wants to finish his career alongside twin brother Brett at the Sydney Roosters.

The issue is bound to spark another round of unwanted headlines for the Sharks as coach John Morris attempts to drive the high standards required of his playing roster.

Sharks coach Morris and Josh Morris have discussed the reasons for the release request face-to-face, but are clearly on different pages in terms of the situation.

It’s an extremely tough scenario for the Sharks rookie coach, who only recently retired himself and is trying to set the high standards required to keep Cronulla in finals contention.

Aside from inheriting a roster still suffering from salary cap punishments this season, Morris is also trying to balance a roster which was left in a difficult situation.

The Roosters want Morris to fill the left centre position made vacant by the departure of Latrell Mitchell.

The back-to-back premiers initially planned for Billy Smith to get first crack at the spot before the young gun sustained an ACL injury at training last month.

The Roosters plan is to play Josh Morris at left centre, which is his preferred position.