Morrison heading Down Under
Mike Morrison is quitting Swinton to start a new life in Australia.
The former Leigh prop, one of the team’s best players over the last two years, will complete the season with the Lions before heading Down Under with girlfriend Cara in January.
The 25-year-old self-employed joiner has been hit hard by the downturn in the construction injury and believes the move to Sydney will improve his prospects.
“I’m a joiner and you are in and out of work,” he said.
“You’ve got work for a month or two and then you are laid off so I’m going over there to try and get some steady work and experience a new lifestyle.
“I’ve got a visa for a year and we’ll see how it goes.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Swinton. We were a new group with a new coach when I joined and I’ve really enjoyed it. I really get along with coach Steve McCormack and understand the way he works. I like his work ethic and and lads are great.
“Last season we won Championship One, morale was up and everything was great. This year has been a lot tougher – probably the toughest I’ve ever played.
“We are the smallest side. the underdogs and don’t get paid the most, but Steve McCormack, Marlon Billy and Ian Watson have kept us all going and the spirit in the team is great.
“You would think we were in the top four the way every one turns up for training.
“Everyone is happy and if do come back from Aussie this will be the first place I’ll phone up and ask for a job back.”
Morrison is also planning to pick up his rugby league career in Sydney and is hoping to play in the second grade.
He said: “I’m hoping to get fixed up with a team and have a list of options.
“The Bundaberg league is a similar standard to the Championship and hopefully I will get fixed up with a team there.”
Swinton coach Steve McCormack said: “Losing Mike is a massive blow because he has been one of our most consistent performers over the last couple of years.
“He’s as hard as nails and it shows out there on the pitch.
“We’ll miss him but wish him all the best in his new venture.”
Swinton are in action on Thursday at Batley.