HIS first coach Michael Hagan described him as a real professional and his record is a testament to that.
Only six current first graders have played more games than John Morris, who will celebrate his 250th game against former club Parramatta on Monday night.
Ironically, Morris made his debut against the Eels in 2001 as part of a Knights side coached by Hagan.
The premiership winning mentor said Morris was one of the most ‘‘coachable’’ players to have played under him.
‘‘What really stood out was his work ethic and attitude, even at a young age,’’ Hagan said.
‘‘I’m not surprised he is still playing.
‘‘He was always a pretty unassuming sort of character. Very low maintenance.’’
Stuck behind Danny Buderus and Andrew Johns, Morris left his home town of Newcastle after two seasons.
This was followed by stints at Parramatta, Wests Tigers and, more recently, the Sharks.
The two-time NSW Country Origin representative has played out his career switching between halves and hooker.
‘‘I played all my juniors as a five-eighth,’’ Morris said.
‘‘My changing positions never really happened week to week so the continuity was always fine. You just need to be a more rounded player.
‘‘Growing up, I always wanted to play five-eighth but playing in the NRL, my favourite position has been hooker.’’
He relocated to Sutherland Shire with wife Michelle and son Cruz when he joined the Sharks in 2010.
Having been 18th man in the Knights 2001 premiership win, Morris still has a burning desire to play in a grand final.
‘‘At the time you probably think you’re going to experience a premiership again,’’ Morris said. ‘‘It still evades me.’’
Part of Morris’ strength has been his ability to go through his career relativity unscathed.
Morris’s run of 117 consecutive games came to an end early last year when he missed a month of football with a knee injury.
The streak would have been a lot more had Morris had his way.
‘‘For some reason in 2006 Brian Smith rested me,’’ Morris said.
‘‘He didn’t play me out for the blue.
‘‘At the time, you are a bit filthy but I didn’t realise that I’d play so many consecutive years after that.’’
Had Morris played against Canberra in that round nine clash he would have played an unbroken 150 games.
Off-contract at the end of this year Morris, 31, wants to play on.
‘‘Physically, I’m really good and I’d love to stay,’’ Morris said.
‘‘The turn around on and off the field in the club since I’ve got here is massive.
‘‘We’ve wanted to change the perception that was out there about the Sharks.
‘‘Shane [Flanagan] instilled some pride and passion in the jersey.’’