Bulldogs and NSW centre Josh Morris admits he is disappointed to be missing game two of the 2016 State of Origin series, but insists the decision was about putting the team first.
Morris hurt his groin in the team's second training run of the week on Thursday and he spoke with the media about how the injury came about.
"I was just changing my line, trying to run inside the shoulder of a bloke and I felt a grab. We pretty much pulled it up straight away there and iced it," said Morris.
"Yesterday, I did plenty of physio and spent a fair bit of time in there."
Following their day off on Friday, the 30 year old was hoping to prove his fitness on Saturday morning, but after failing to finish training, Morris made the decision to withdraw from the team and he spoke with the media following the field session.
"It was my call. It's about putting the team first.”
"I don't want to go in there and give a poor performance in a Blues jersey because of an injury.
"Queensland are smart as well, they probably would've targeted me, knowing I was going in under an injury cloud. It was the best decision for the team.”
Morris was overlooked by Blues coach Laurie Daley for Game one, but was recalled three days out from the game when Josh Dugan was ruled out with an elbow injury.
The extent of the injury is yet to be determined, but the Bulldogs flyer is hoping Blues fans hadn't seen the last of him in a NSW jumper.
"I guess I'm getting upwards of 30 now. I hope not, but you never know."
Dylan Walker will replace Morris and start in the centres, with Jack Bird to come into the side and debut on Wednesday night off the bench.
Walker will now have the task of stopping Greg Inglis, a job Morris has done time and time again for the Blues.
Morris said he would chat with the new right hand combination of Walker and Blake Ferguson ahead of game two at Suncorp.
"I'll speak to him in the lead-up, just to make sure that their combinations are going well and that their communication's right up there because Suncorp is a loud place - you can barely hear anyone.”
“It’s about them making sure they’re nice and clear with each other and they know what they’re doing.”
