Cowboys half-back Morgan likely to miss Origin finale

Queensland half-back Michael Morgan appears set to miss next month's final State of Origin fixture, but will not require surgery on his knee injury.

Morgan suffered a partial tear of his posterior cruciate ligament in Wednesday's second Origin match, which saw Queensland wrap up another series victory with a 26-16 triumph over New South Wales.

On Friday, the North Queensland Cowboys confirmed Morgan was expected to return to club action on July 21.

A tweet from the reigning NRL premiers read: "@michaelmorgan00 has partial tear in PCL. No surgery needed. Due to make club return in Round 20 match v @NRL_Bulldogs."

The third game of the Origin series comes eight days before that match, at ANZ Stadium.

Morgan featured from the bench in each of the first two Origin fixtures and his absence from NRL duty will serve as a blow to the Cowboys, who sit third on the ladder.