View source for Adrian Morley

{{Short description|Former GB & England international rugby league footballer}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name           = Adrian Morley
|fullname       = Adrian Paul Morley<ref>{{cite web |title=Adrian Paul Morley |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/officers/AEiSDAYynU2xHdsaYkKtxlsgLG4/appointments |website=Companies House |access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref>
|image          = Adrian Morley 2008.jpg
|image_size     = 
|caption        = 
|position       = {{rlp|PR|SR}}
|birth_date     = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1977|5|10}}
|birth_place    = [[Salford, Greater Manchester]], England
|height         = {{convert|1.89|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name=" Superleague">{{cite web|url= http://www.superleague.co.uk/matchday/player/778|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140316014122/http://www.superleague.co.uk/matchday/player/778|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2014-03-16|title= Adrian Morley Leeds Rhinos|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=2015|website= www.superleague.co.uk|publisher= Rugby Football League|access-date=18 July 2015}}</ref>
|weight         = {{convert|105|kg|stlb|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="Superleague"/>
|club1          = [[Leeds Rhinos]]
|year1start     = 1995
|year1end       = 00
|appearances1   = 149
|tries1         = 35
|goals1         = 0
|fieldgoals1    = 0
|points1        = 140
|club2          = [[Sydney Roosters]]
|year2start     = 2001
|year2end       = 06
|appearances2   = 114
|tries2         = 8
|goals2         = 0
|fieldgoals2    = 0
|points2        = 32
|club3          = → [[Bradford Bulls]] ([[Loan (sports)|loan]])
|year3start     = 2005
|year3end       = 
|appearances3   = 6
|tries3         = 0
|goals3         = 0
|fieldgoals3    = 0
|points3        = 0
|club4          = [[Warrington Wolves]]
|year4start     = 2007
|year4end       = 13
|appearances4   = 173
|tries4         = 9
|goals4         = 0
|fieldgoals4    = 0
|points4        = 36
|club5          = → [[Swinton Lions]] (loan)
|year5start     = 2013
|year5end       = 
|appearances5   = 1
|tries5         = 0
|goals5         = 0
|fieldgoals5    = 0
|points5        = 0
|club6          = [[Salford Red Devils]]
|year6start     = 2014
|year6end       = 15
|appearances6   = 54
|tries6         = 2
|goals6         = 0
|fieldgoals6    = 0 
|points6        = 8
|retired        = yes
|teamA          = [[Great Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain]]
|yearAstart     = 1996
|yearAend       = 07 
|appearancesA   = 30
|triesA         = 3
|goalsA         = 0 
|fieldgoalsA    = 0 
|pointsA        = 12
|teamB          = [[England national rugby league team|England]]
|yearBstart     = 2000
|yearBend       = 12
|appearancesB   = 23
|triesB         = 1 
|goalsB         = 0 
|fieldgoalsB    = 0 
|pointsB        = 4
|updated        = 
|source         = <ref>{{Rugby league records |id=3400 |title=Adrian Morley |access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref><ref name="Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/adrian-morley/summary.html|title=Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org|publisher=rugbyleagueproject.org|date=31 December 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="England Statistics at englandrl.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrl.co.uk/player_records?search=Morley&submit=Go&c=England|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213140158/http://www.englandrl.co.uk/player_records?search=Morley&submit=Go&c=England|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 December 2013|title=England Statistics at englandrl.co.uk|publisher=englandrl.co.uk|date=31 December 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="Great Britain Statistics at englandrl.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrl.co.uk/player_records?search=Morley&submit=Go&c=GB|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131213125432/http://www.englandrl.co.uk/player_records?search=Morley&submit=Go&c=GB|url-status=dead|archive-date=13 December 2013|title=Great Britain Statistics at englandrl.co.uk|publisher=englandrl.co.uk|date=31 December 2017|access-date=1 January 2018}}</ref>
|new            = yes
| module       = {{infobox person
| embed        = yes
| father       = 
| mother       = 
| spouse       = 
| education    = 
| alma_mater   = 
| relatives    = [[Chris Morley]] (brother)
}}
}}

'''Adrian Paul Morley''' (born 10 May 1977) is an English former professional [[rugby league]] player who played as a {{rlp|pr}} or {{rlp|sr}} forward. With a reputation as a tough, uncompromising competitor, Morley was the first British player to become a Grand Final winner in both the [[National Rugby League]] and [[Super League]].

Morley's professional career began with [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]] in 1995, with whom he won the [[Challenge Cup]] in 1999. He then played six seasons with Australian club [[Sydney Roosters]], winning the [[2002 NRL Premiership]] and [[2003 World Club Challenge]], returning to England for a brief spell with [[Bradford Bulls]], with whom he won the [[Super League Grand Final]] in 2005. In 2007, he signed for [[Warrington Wolves]], winning three more Challenge Cups, before finishing his career with his hometown club, the [[Salford Red Devils]], where he retired in 2015.

At international level, Morley made his debut in 1996, and went on to represent [[Great Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain]] in the [[1996 Great Britain Lions tour|1996 Lions tour]], and [[England national rugby league team|England]] at the [[Rugby League World Cup]] in 2000 and 2008. He earned over 50 caps during his career (30 for [[Great Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain]] and 23 for [[England national rugby league team|England]]), and was awarded a golden cap in recognition of this feat. In 2022, he was inducted into the [[Rugby League Hall of Fame]].

==Club career==
===Leeds===
Born in [[Salford]], Morley played junior [[rugby league]] for [[Salford City Roosters|Eccles ARLFC]] before signing for [[Leeds Rhinos|Leeds]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Trophies, training and troubles - Adrian Morley's Leeds Rhinos memories and one regret |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/adrian-morley-leeds-rhinos-memories-20648867 |website=Leeds Live |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=22 May 2021}}</ref> He made his first team debut for Leeds in April 1995 in a 44–19 win against [[Hull F.C.|Hull]].<ref name="Leeds Rhinos Nostalgia">{{cite web |title=Leeds Rhinos Nostalgia: Big-hitting Adrian Morley had a career to remember |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/leeds-rhinos-nostalgia-big-hitting-adrian-morley-had-a-career-to-remember-3229945 |website=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=10 May 2021}}</ref> Morley played for Leeds as a {{rlp|sr}} in their [[1998 Super League Grand Final]] loss to [[Wigan Warriors|Wigan]]. He won the Challenge Cup with Leeds in [[1999 Challenge Cup|1999]] when they defeated [[London Broncos#1994–2005: Broncos and Super League|London Broncos]] 52–16 at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley]].

===Sydney===
In July 2000, Morley agreed to join Australian side [[Sydney Roosters]] in the [[National Rugby League]] at the end of the season, who were being coached by former Leeds boss [[Graham Murray]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Andy|title=Big Pommie braced for the welcome down under|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/story/0,3604,348896,00.html|work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=18 February 2014|date=31 July 2000}}</ref>

In 2002, he helped the Roosters win their first title for 27 years, playing in the [[2002 NRL Grand Final]] victory against [[New Zealand Warriors]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Morley's big hit has Roosters crowing |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2002/oct/07/rugbyleague |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=7 October 2002}}</ref>

In 2004, he became the first English player to appear in three Australian Grand Finals.<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic third grand final for Rooster Morley |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/oct/02/rugbyleague.andywilson |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=2 October 2004}}</ref>

In 2005, he briefly returned to England, signing a short-term deal with [[Bradford Bulls]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Morley to finish season in England if Roosters miss finals |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-09-02/morley-to-finish-season-in-england-if-roosters/2094234 |website=ABC News |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=1 September 2005}}</ref> and helping them defeat his former club [[Leeds Rhinos]] in the [[2005 Super League Grand Final]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Peacock's pain soothed by Bulls triumph |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2005/oct/17/rugbyleague.bradfordbulls |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=17 October 2005}}</ref>

In July 2006, he played his final game for the Roosters against [[Canterbury Bulldogs]], receiving a seven-match ban for kneeing [[Corey Hughes]], which meant he could not play for the club again for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web |title=League: Morley out of NRL |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/league-morley-out-of-nrl/367ZY2JBS6S2PYLHMSQOQSFDB4/ |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=26 July 2006}}</ref>

===Warrington===
In June 2006, Morley turned down a contract extension with the Roosters, and signed a four-year deal with [[Warrington Wolves]], beginning at the start of the [[2007 Super League season|2007 season]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Morley turns down Wigan for return to 'ambitious' Warrington |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/morley-turns-down-wigan-for-return-to-ambitious-warrington-6098265.html |website=The Independent |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=14 June 2006}}</ref> He was also appointed captain of Warrington.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} It was while playing for Warrington that he made his 400th competitive senior appearance.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}

Morley guided Warrington to Challenge Cup glory in 2009, beating [[Huddersfield Giants|Huddersfield]] in the [[2009 Challenge Cup final|final]] at Wembley.

Morley captained Warrington in the [[2010 Challenge Cup Final]] victory over the [[Leeds Rhinos]] at [[Wembley Stadium]].<ref name="Leeds 6-30 Warrington">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8938067.stm|title=Leeds 6–30 Warrington|publisher=BBC|date=28 August 2010|access-date=22 November 2019|first=Ged|last=Scott}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/aug/28/leeds-rhinos-warrington-wolves-challenge-cup-final |location=London |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=Chris Hicks hat-trick leads Warrington to Challenge Cup triumph over Leeds |first=Andy |last=Wilson |date=28 August 2010 |access-date=22 November 2019<!--DASHBot--> |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831105934/http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/aug/28/leeds-rhinos-warrington-wolves-challenge-cup-final |archive-date=31 August 2010 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref>

In 2012, he played in the [[2012 Challenge Cup Final]] victory over the [[Leeds Rhinos]] at [[Wembley Stadium]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/aug/25/leeds-warrington-challenge-cup |title=Warrington's battered Brett Hodgson recovers to see off Leeds in final|date=25 August 2012|work=Guardian UK|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/19362692|title=Leeds Rhinos 18–35 Warrington Wolves|date=25 August 2012|work=BBC Sport|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref> and the [[2012 Super League Grand Final]] defeat by the [[Leeds Rhinos]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Grand Final: Warrington 18-26 Leeds|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/19805055|access-date=20 November 2019|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=6 October 2012}}</ref><ref name="Leeds' Kevin Sinfield stars in Grand Final triumph against Warrington">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/oct/06/warrington-leeds-grand-final|title=Leeds' Kevin Sinfield stars in Grand Final triumph against Warrington|publisher=Guardian|date=6 October 2012|access-date=20 November 2019}}</ref>

At the start of the 2013 season, Morley suffered a torn bicep, which kept him out of action for about three months.<ref>{{cite web |title=Warrington Wolves captain Adrian Morley sidelined for two months through injury |url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12209/8510141/warrington-wolves-captain-adrian-morley-sidelined-for-two-months-through-injury |website=Sky Sports |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=20 February 2013}}</ref> While returning to fitness, he played one game for [[Swinton Lions]] on dual registration, helping them defeat [[North Wales Crusaders]] in the [[Northern Rail Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Morley plays part in Swinton win |url=https://www.eurosport.com/rugby-league/morley-plays-part-in-swinton-win_sto3763769/story.shtml |website=Eurosport |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=19 May 2013}}</ref> At the end of the season, he played his final game for Warrington in the [[2013 Super League Grand Final]] defeat by the [[Wigan Warriors]] at [[Old Trafford]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Newsum|first=Matt|title=Super League Grand Final: Wigan Warriors beat Warrington|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/24384930|access-date=13 November 2019|newspaper=BBC Sport|date=5 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/05/warrington-wigan-super-league-grand-final|title= Wigan see off Warrington in X-rated Grand Final to complete double|date=5 October 2013|work=Guardian |access-date=13 November 2019}}</ref>

===Salford===
Morley signed a one-year deal for his hometown club Salford for the [[2014 Super League season|2014 season]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Adrian Morley: Salford City Reds to sign Warrington & England legend |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/23079959 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=27 June 2013}}</ref> and was appointed the club's captain.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}

On 10 September 2015, Morley announced that he would retire from playing rugby league at the end of the [[2015 Super League season|2015 season]].<ref>{{cite news 
|title = MORLEY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
|publisher = superleague.co.uk
|date = 2015-09-10
|url = http://superleague.co.uk/article/33051/morley-announces-retirement
|access-date = 2015-09-11}}</ref>

On 14 October 2015, it was announced that Morley would play one more rugby league match. In his last match, he represented his début club, Leeds, in a [[2015 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain#Game 1|one-off exhibition game]] against [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]].<ref name="Adrian Morley to end career with Leeds v New Zealand game">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-league/34528190|title=Adrian Morley to end career with Leeds v New Zealand game|publisher=bbc.com|date=14 October 2015|access-date=1 January 2016}}</ref>

==International career==
===Great Britain===
Morley made his début for [[Great Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain]] in 1996, during the ten-match autumn [[1996 Great Britain Lions Tour|tour]] of Fiji, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. He was an interchange substitute in a 34–8 victory<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1996/game-1/png-presidents-xiii-vs-great-britain.html | website=Rugby League Project | date=30 April 2025 | title=Lions Tour 1996 Series Game 1 - PNG Presidents XIII 8 lost to Great Britain 34 | access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref> over a [[Papua New Guinea national rugby league team|Papua New Guinea]] President's XIII, and again a week later in a 42–16 win over a [[Fiji national rugby league team|Fiji]] President's XIII.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/lions-tour-1996/game-3/fiji-presidents-xiii-vs-great-britain.html | website=Rugby League Project | date=30 April 2025 | title=Lions Tour 1996 Series Game 3 - Fiji Presidents XIII 16 lost to Great Britain 42 | access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref> Morley started from the bench in the first and third tests of the winless test series against [[New Zealand national rugby league team|New Zealand]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1996/game-1/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html | website=Rugby League Project | date=30 April 2025 | title=New Zealand 17 def. Great Britain 12 | access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/new-zealand-vs-great-britain-1996/game-3/new-zealand-vs-great-britain/summary.html | website=Rugby League Project | date=30 April 2025 | title=New Zealand 32 def. Great Britain 12 | access-date=30 April 2025}}</ref> scoring a try in the final test, but got a first start for the Lions in a midweek loss to the [[New Zealand Maori rugby league team|New Zealand Maori]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/unforced-errors-litter-lions-maori-defeat-1359783.html | work=The Independent | date=22 October 1996 | access-date=30 April 2025 | title=Unforced errors litter Lions' Maori defeat}}</ref>

In the 1997 post-season, Morley was selected to play for Great Britain in all three matches of the [[Super League Test series]] against [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]].

He was selected to play against Australia in the [[2003 Kangaroo tour of Great Britain and France|2003 Ashes Series]]. In the first Test, he was sent off 12 seconds into the game after a high tackle on [[Robbie Kearns]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Throwback Thursday: When Adrian Morley was sent off after 12 seconds |url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/throwback-thursday-when-adrian-morley-was-sent-off-after-12-seconds |website=Love Rugby League |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=12 December 2019}}</ref> He avoided a suspension and played in the remaining two Tests.<ref>{{cite web |title=Boost for Great Britain as Morley escapes ban |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/boost-for-great-britain-as-morley-escapes-ban-77778.html |website=The Independent |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=11 November 2003}}</ref>

In 2007, he captained Great Britain for their mid-season test against [[France national rugby league team|France]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Morley to captain Great Britain |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/6737633.stm |website=BBC Sport |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=9 June 2007}}</ref>

===England===
Morley made his senior representative debut for [[England national rugby league team|England]] in the summer of 1996 at the [[1996 European Rugby League Championship|European Championship]]. He was an interchange substitute in the 73–6 win over [[France national rugby league team|France]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/european-championship-1996/round-1/england-vs-france.html | website=Rugby League Project | date=30 April 2025 | title=England 73 def. France 6}}</ref>

He was offered a chance to play alongside his brother [[Chris Morley]], who played for [[Wales national rugby league team|Wales]], but chose to commit to England in the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup|2000 World Cup]].<ref name="Morley denies Wales link">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/2268271.stm|first=David|last=Walmsley|title=Morley denies Wales link|publisher=news.bbc.co.uk|date=19 September 2002|access-date=1 January 2003}}</ref>

Morley was named in the 24-man [[2008 Rugby League World Cup squads#England|England squad]] for the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]], and also played against Wales at the [[Keepmoat Stadium]], [[Doncaster]] prior to England's departure.<ref name="Myler gets England call">{{cite web|url=http://www.englandrl.co.uk/article.php?id=11890 |title=Myler gets England call |publisher=England Rugby League |date=29 September 2008 |access-date=3 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007232803/http://www.englandrl.co.uk/article.php?id=11890 |archive-date=7 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Purdham earns World Cup call-up">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7656553.stm|title=Purdham earns World Cup call-up|publisher=BBC|date=7 October 2008|access-date=7 October 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081009081658/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7656553.stm|archive-date= 9 October 2008|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Gleeson to lead new-look England">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7642490.stm|title=Gleeson to lead new-look England|publisher=BBC|date=9 October 2008|access-date=10 October 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081004195348/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7642490.stm|archive-date= 4 October 2008|url-status= live}}</ref> In [[2008 Rugby League World Cup Group A|Group A]]'s first match against Papua New Guinea he played from the interchange bench in England's victory.

He was selected to play for England against France in the one-off test in 2010.<ref>{{cite news | last=Hadfield | first=Dave | title=Widdop passes his first Test at a canter | work=The Independent | publisher=Independent Print Limited | date=13 June 2010 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/rugby-league/widdop-passes-his-first-test-at--a-canter-1999087.html | access-date=30 April 2025 | location=London}}</ref> Morley was to lead England in the [[2010 Rugby League Four Nations|2010 Four Nations]] but was ruled out after injuring himself in a warm-up match against the [[New Zealand Māori rugby league team]].<ref name="NZ_Herald_10681215">{{cite web|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10681215&ref=rss|title=League: English captain to miss Four Nations|date=17 October 2010|work= [[The New Zealand Herald]]|access-date=15 September 2011}}</ref>

Morley played for England in the [[2011 Rugby League Four Nations|2011 Four Nations]]. England made the tournament's final and in the final, Morley made his 50th international appearance.<ref>{{cite news 
|title = Morley set for 50th cap
|publisher = Sky Sports
|date = 2011-11-17
|url = http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyleague/284336/Morley-set-for-50th-cap
|access-date = 2015-08-03}}</ref>

Morley is one of a handful of players in the sport's history who have been capped over 50 times at international level, and was awarded a 'golden cap' in recognition of this achievement.<ref>{{cite web |title=RLIF to award 'golden caps' to players with over 50 international appearances tonight |url=https://www.totalrl.com/rlif-to-award-golden-caps-to-players-with-over-50-international-appearances-tonight/ |website=Total Rugby League |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=7 November 2018}}</ref>

==Playing style==
Morley played as either a {{rlp|pr}} or {{rlp|sr}} forward, and was renowned for his hard-hitting style,<ref>{{cite web |title=Rugby League: Fiery Morley aims to keep cool |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/rugby-league-fiery-morley-aims-to-keep-cool/BOGVDTGGPLVLY2URNFRSTRUAT4/ |website=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=5 October 2002}}</ref> establishing a reputation as an "enforcer".<ref>{{cite news |title=Meet Adrian Morley the GB 'Enforcer' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/rugby_league/features/newsid_3246000/3246261.stm |website=BBC Sport Academy |date=6 November 2003 |access-date=23 July 2023}}</ref> However, he was often criticised for his poor discipline, particularly during his time in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, where he was suspended six times within two years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Roosters cry foul after Morley is suspended for sixth time |url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/australasia-travel/australia/roosters-cry-foul-after-morley-is-suspended-for-sixth-time-8djc5rc9wpg |website=[[The Times]] |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=20 July 2004}}</ref>

He is generally regarded as one of the best forwards of his generation,<ref>{{cite web |title=Adrian Morley backs Salford Red Devils and Chris Atkin to step up and deliver shock Grand Final spot |url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/adrian-morley-salford-red-devils-25002244 |website=Yorkshire Live |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=13 September 2022}}</ref> and was named in the [[Rugby League World|Rugby League World XIII]] in 2003.<ref>{{cite web |title=A complete history of the World XIII |url=https://www.totalrl.com/a-complete-history-of-the-world-xiii/ |website=Total Rugby League |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=20 March 2018}}</ref> In 2022, he was inducted into the [[Rugby League Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Four sporting giants to be inducted into the men's RL Hall of Fame |url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/60961/four-sporting-giants-to-be-inducted-into-the-mens-rl-hall-of-fame |website=Rugby Football League |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=21 September 2022}}</ref>

==Post-playing career==
After retiring as a player, he returned to [[Leeds Rhinos]], where he coached the club's Academy team during the 2017 season. He left the club at the end of the season to pursue a career outside of rugby league.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adrian Morley to leave Leeds Rhinos for new career |url=https://www.seriousaboutrl.com/adrian-morley-leave-leeds-rhinos-new-career-9834/ |website=Serious About Rugby League |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=11 September 2017}}</ref>

In 2021, he became a trustee of the Salford Red Devils Foundation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Adrian Morley becomes Foundation trustee |url=https://salfordreddevils.net/adrian-morley-becomes-foundation-trustee/ |website=Salford Red Devils |access-date=23 July 2023 |date=20 January 2021}}</ref>

==Personal life==
In 2004, Morley was convicted for drink-driving.<ref>{{cite web |title=Morley likely to escape a ban |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2004/jan/19/rugbyleague.andywilson |website=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=19 January 2004}}</ref>

Morley's autobiography, ''"Moz"'', was released on 12 November 2012 and reprinted twice in the run up to Christmas 2012.

Morley's son, Leo, has played for the [[Salford Red Devils]] scholarship team.<ref>{{cite web |title=Son of ex-Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils star Adrian Morley makes debut for Super League scholarship side |url=https://www.totalrl.com/son-of-ex-leeds-rhinos-warrington-wolves-and-salford-red-devils-star-adrian-morley-makes-debut-for-super-league-scholarship-side/ |website=Total Rugby League |access-date=22 July 2023 |date=4 April 2023}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

==External links==
*(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20100706034725/http://www.warringtonwolves.org/8-adrian-morley-15 Profile at warringtonwolves.com]
*(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20090717085443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport/hi/english/static/in_depth/rugby_league/2001/ashes/gb/morley.stm 2001 Ashes profile]
*(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20060821050839/http://www.elitesports.com.au/new/showarticle.php?articleID=41 Article – Morley set for Footy Grand Slam]
*[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/6737633.stm Morley to captain Great Britain]
*[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/06/1078464696787.html Ryles can overcome injury, and I should know: Morley]
*[http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/s/20/20966_rl_morley_hoping_for_seventh_heaven.html ''Morley hoping for Seventh Heaven'' – article at manchestereveningnews.co.uk]
*(archived by web.archive.org) [https://web.archive.org/web/20081116234747/http://leedsrugby.dnsupdate.co.uk/leedsrhinos/pastplayers/squad-page.asp?ID=74 Profile at leedsrugby]

{{Leeds Rhinos - 1999 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
{{2002 Sydney Roosters Premiership}}
{{Bradford Bulls - 2005 Super League Grand Final winners}}
{{Warrington Wolves - 2009 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
{{Warrington Wolves - 2010 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
{{Warrington Wolves - 2012 Challenge Cup Final winners}}
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{{Great Britain squad – 1996 Tour}}
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{{Leeds Rhinos Millennium Greats}}
{{Salford Red Devils Captains}}
{{British Rugby League Hall of Fame}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Morley, Adrian}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Bradford Bulls players]]
[[Category:England national rugby league team captains]]
[[Category:England national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:English rugby league players]]
[[Category:Great Britain national rugby league team captains]]
[[Category:Great Britain national rugby league team players]]
[[Category:Leeds Rhinos players]]
[[Category:Rugby league players from Salford]]
[[Category:Rugby league props]]
[[Category:Rugby league second-rows]]
[[Category:Salford Red Devils captains]]
[[Category:Salford Red Devils players]]
[[Category:Sydney Roosters players]]
[[Category:Warrington Wolves captains]]
[[Category:Warrington Wolves players]]