Mark Walter Harris (22 August 1947 – 15 January 2020) was an Australian professional rugby league player best known for his time as a centre in the New South Wales competition during the 1970s. Born in Brisbane, he built a reputation as a strong, direct-running back whose club career spanned more than a decade before he retired from top-level rugby league.
Career and clubs
Harris spent the majority of his career with the Eastern Suburbs club, appearing for the Roosters-based side from 1970 until 1979. He later played for the North Sydney Bears from 1980 to 1981. His senior club affiliations can be summarised as:
- Eastern Suburbs (1970–1979)
- North Sydney Bears (1980–1981)
While primarily known for rugby league, Harris also crossed codes for a brief period and played Canadian football with the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League. Such moves were uncommon at the time and demonstrated the adaptability of several rugby league athletes to different forms of football.
Playing style and role
As a centre, Harris occupied a position that combines defensive responsibility with a licence to break the line in attack. Centres are expected to tackle strongly, read opposition movements, and create or exploit gaps for outside backs. Harris was recognised in contemporary accounts as a powerful runner who could finish opportunities and contribute solid defence.
During his career he was part of an Eastern Suburbs side that was competitive in the 1970s and he remains remembered by supporters of that era for his consistency and commitment on the field. His transition to North Sydney in the early 1980s marked the closing phase of his first-grade playing days.
Off the field Harris was noted for having been born in Queensland and for later returning to private life following retirement. He died on 15 January 2020 after a battle with throat cancer; he was 72. His passing was reported in national and sporting media and prompted tributes from former teammates and clubs.
For further context on the clubs and competitions that formed the backdrop to Harris's career see resources on professional rugby league and cross-code experiments of the era via professional rugby league histories.