Michael Morgan has the inside running on Cronulla’s premiership-winning five-eight James Maloney for the utility bench spot according to Johnathan Thurston.

The Kangaroos play New Zealand this weekend in Perth.

“Morgan has played off the bench in the role under Meninga for Queensland and the Kangaroos,” Thurston said.

“Mal has a few options there.

“Morgo has filled that role for him at Origin level and earlier this year.”