Maroons star's friendly fire KO rocks State of Origin decider

Queensland bench utility Michael Morgan had his participation in the State of Origin decider cut short by a scary head knock early in the second half of the Blues’ historic victory on Wednesday night.

With the scores locked at eight all, the Maroons were defending deep in the Blues’ half when the incident unfolded at ANZ Stadium.

Morgan attempted to join a tackle on Blues star James Tedesco when he collided with state and club teammate Josh McGuire’s elbow.

“He comes around the back of Tedesco and bang, straight into McGuire’s elbow,” Phil Gould said in commentary on Channel Nine.

“He’s out before he hits the ground. That’s terrible luck. Bang. Friendly fire.”

Fellow commentator Paul Vautin noticed Morgan “twitching on the ground” as replays displayed the unfortunate nature of the hit.

Morgan, whose starting role in the centres was taken by Moses Mbye, was replaced by David Fifita to undergo a head injury assessment.

Worryingly, the head knock came after Morgan’s last NRL game for North Queensland was cut short by a concussion.

Morgan returned to the bench and stood on the field alongside his teammates during the presentations.