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Morris twins concede uncertain NRL future

Brett and Josh Morris concede they're unlikely to be in the Belmore kennel next year with Canterbury battling NRL salary cap pressure.

It's been reported the Bulldogs are struggling to balance their roster and have just $750,000 to spend in their 2019 cap.

Josh Morris of the Bulldogs (right) celebrates with brother Brett (left) after scoring a try.

Photo: Dan Himbrechts

Under the former administration and ex-coach Des Hasler, several players had their deals back-ended in search of an elusive premiership.

However that only heaped enormous pressure on the club's books for 2018 and 2019 with each of the Morris twins on a reported $750,000 for this year.

And with a string of up-and-comers and fringe first-graders including Matt Frawley, Jeremy Marshall-King and Rhyse Martin also off contract, the Morris brothers appear headed for the exit.

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"You'd be naive to think you can stay in a place where there is stuff like that going on," Brett said.

"We understand rugby league these days is a business."

Asked if he would be angry about being forced out, Brett was philosophical.

"Not really to be honest," Brett said. "I feel like I've had a pretty good career and if it all ended tomorrow I could walk away with my head held high.

"I wouldn't be offended, it's not ideal but that's footy."

Both Morris twins categorically ruled out retirement but said all other options were open.

That included being forced to different clubs – which would have them potentially playing against each other for the first time since 2014 – or over to the English Super League.

The pair have been outstanding servants for St George Illawarra, Canterbury, NSW and Australia for more than a decade.

Brett has played 223 first-grade games, earned 15 NSW and 18 Australian caps.

While Josh has notched 252 NRL matches and represented NSW and Australia on three and six occasions respectively.

"It's a possibility for sure," Josh said when asked if he would play elsewhere next year.

"I'll have to speak to (Brett) and it's well documented what's going on. All I can focus on is playing my best footy week in and week out."

AAP

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