Serious doubts remain over the fitness of Michael Morgan with North Queensland confirming they will have the star playmaker's injured shoulder assessed on Monday.
Reports indicate Morgan's future in the NRL is clouded as he missed the Cowboys' round three loss to the Gold Coast due to shoulder soreness.
North Queensland coach Todd Payten responded to claims Morgan, 29, might be forced into retirement on medical grounds after the Cowboys' 44-8 thrashing at the hands of the Gold Coast Titans.
"Morgo trained today, he's going to be reassessed tomorrow, and we'll go from there," Payten said.
The club stated last week that Morgan's shoulder soreness would keep him out for a week.
Morgan only played six games in 2020 after having shoulder surgery before suffering a right calf tear late in the season.
Payten said he was aware this year could be similar to how Morgan's season played out in 2020.
"I knew at the start of the year that's the way it could go off the back of last year," Payten said.
"We have to make sure his shoulder is strong enough to play at an NRL level."
Morgan still has 2-1/2 years left on a five-year deal, leaving the Cowboys with a $2.5 million payout should he be forced into retirement.
He was sorely missed in Sunday's clash as the Titans added further to North Queensland's early-season woes.
