Morrison gone for season

North Queensland?s chances of making the National Rugby League top eight for the first time in their history have taken a major blow, with inspirational forward Glenn Morrison expected to miss the rest of the season.

Morrison was taken from the field on a stretcher during the Cowboys? thrilling 14-12 win over St George-Illawarra at WIN Stadium yesterday.

While Morrison has been cleared of any spinal damage, a serious sternum injury is likely to keep him out for at least the next twelve weeks.

At best, Morrison may return in time for the National Rugby League finals, should the Cowboys make it.

The 28-year-old lock has been one of the side?s best players this season and adds a depth of experience to the outfit, who sit just outside the top eight on the National Rugby League competition ladder.

The side play Newcastle at Dairy Farmers Stadium next Saturday night and would be quietly confident of victory given their recent good form and Newcastle?s representative and injury woes.