Hat-trick hero Brett Morris says his NRL career has been rejuvenated by joining reigning premiers Sydney Roosters.
The former Test and Origin winger showed showed finishing power and pace as he scored three tries in the first half to help the Roosters to a 20-8 World Club Challenge win over Wigan.
Released by cap-strapped strugglers Canterbury, an off-season move to the English Super League was mooted until a phone call from Roosters coach Trent Robinson changed everything.
"I had a meeting with Robbo and as soon as I had that meeting I said to my manager 'do you what ever you have to do, I want to go to the Roosters," Morris recalled after Sunday's triumph in Wigan.
Robinson asked 32-year-old Morris to report for pre-season in November - the earliest since he first broke in to first grade as a teenager at St George Illawarra - but he admits it helped him enormously.
"Since day one the Roosters have welcomed me, as a result you want to go out and do your best," he said.
"It's been a long pre-season, I was there with all the young fellas when they first rocked up. I was about 10 years older than everyone else.
"With the training I have done over the off-season it is definitely going to help my game."
The Roosters training staff revamped Morris' pre-season preparations and although he admits it was hard at first, the benefits have been considerable.
"I did certain things in the gym that I haven't done for about 10 years," he said.
"The Roosters have a great training and medical staff and I have pushed the boundaries with my body more than I have been able to over the last couple of years.
"I am 32, people have said that I am old and past it, but I don't feel that old.
"I think I can still play really good footy for the Roosters and that is the plan."
Despite his starring role against the Super League champions, Morris has no expectations of dislodging Latrell Mitchell as first-choice left centre for next month's NRL opener against South Sydney.
"That's 'Trelly's spot, I am just keeping it warm for him," he said.
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