Coming off a 2017 season, which saw him lead North Queensland on a fairy tale run to the grand final and claim the Dally M Halfback of the Year, expectations were high for Michael Morgan in 2018, but injuries robbed the Cowboys playmaker any chance of recapturing peak form.

Morgan suffered an abdominal injury late in the pre-season, which forced him out of Rounds 1 and 2. He returned for the blockbuster clash with the Storm in Round 3, but admitted he would likely have to battle through pain for the rest of the season.

In an effort to get Te Maire Martin more involved, Morgan was moved to fullback by Paul Green in Round 11 and he responded with a strong performance against South Sydney.

Morgan held his spot in the Queensland State of Origin side for the opening game of the series against NSW, but would tear his bicep upon returning to the Cowboys in Round 15 attempting to make a tackle on Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and would miss the remainder of the season.

With the retirement of club legend Johnathan Thurston, Morgan will officially take over as the main playmaker for the Cowboys in 2019.

2018 stats:

Games: 11

Tries: 1

Try assists: 8

Line-break assists: 9

Average runs: 8

Average run metres: 66