He has wowed when wearing his Cowboy boots but now Michael Morgan can step into the green-and-gold shoes of Johnathan Thurston for as long as he wants.
That's the opinion of Australia coach Mal Meninga after he named the North Queensland star at five-eighth for Friday's Rugby League World Cup opener against England.
Morgan electrified the league season when he spearheaded the Cowboys to the NRL grand final after a season-ending injury to co-captain Thurston.
The injury denied Thurston a State of Origin farewell for Queensland, as well as a Kangaroos swansong in the 14-nation World Cup.
A new era now beckons under Morgan.
"It's a great opportunity for him. He'll understand that," Meninga said.
"We don't put any unnecessary pressure on him.
"We just want him to keep playing the way he's been playing. He doesn't have to change his game, he's the form player in the competition.
"If he continues that form with us, we're going to be reasonably successful."
Meninga said Morgan deserved to be given first crack ahead of playmaking contenders James Maloney and Cameron Munster.
He has started just one Test in his seven appearances.
"Obviously the six was the toughest decision but at the end of the day, I think Michael's playing well enough," Meninga said.
"When you look at the pecking order, he deserves and he's earned his spot at the six.
"He's come out of his shell, he's playing terrific footy on-ball in the seven jersey with the Cowboys.
"We just want him to continue that same run."
Meninga confirmed Maloney and Munster would play in Australia's second group match against France in Canberra on Friday week.
Utility Ben Hunt has made himself unavailable to attend his wedding.
"They'll play against France, there's no doubt," Meninga said.
"So just keep working hard and when they get an opportunity, they take it."
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