Morris backs Keating for Bulldogs

Canterbury flyer Josh Morris has backed team mate Kris Keating to perform at halfback after he was selected for Sunday’s clash at Gold Coast.

Keating replaces Trent Hodkinson, who suffered a knee ligament strain in last weekend’s loss at Newcastle and is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks.

He will link up with young playmaker Josh Reynolds.

Keating has yet to make an NRL appearance so far this season but Morris says the former Parramatta player is up to the task.

“He’s really confident and looking forward to his shot,” said Morris.

“Kris has trained there [at halfback] all pre season and he’s done a bit of work with Trent and with Josh so I expect him to have a fair say on what’s going on in the game. He’s ready to take his chance.

“Every halfback these days is a target but Kris works really hard on his defence and being outside him I’m confident in the way he defends so that’s all I can ask of him.”

Bulldogs old boy Jamal Idris has missed out on selection for the embattled Titans due to a hamstring problem, but Morris hinted that he may be rushed back.

“We might do a little bit of work on Jamal just in case he’s there but it would have been good to see him out on the field,” said Morris.

“He’ll want to get out there and play against all his old mates and it’ll be good if he does.”