Kangaroo and former Queensland coach Mal Meninga says he believes Michael Morgan should be considered as first choice replacement if  Johnathon Thurston is not fit for Origin Game One on May 31.

After suffering a minor tear to his rotator cuff, the race is on for Thurston to be fit in time for the series opener.

Meninga (pictured) says there are four players that could do the job for the Maroons but Morgan deserves first crack at the five eighth spot if Thurston runs out of time.