Morgan Harper(born 28 August 1998) is aNew Zealandsemi-professionalrugby leaguefootballer who plays as acentrefor theNorth Sydney Bearsin theNSW Cup.
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Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 28 August 1998 Hamilton,New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 186 cm (6 ft 1 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 95 kg (14 st 13 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position | Centre | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source:[1] As of 25 May 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
He previously played in theNational Rugby League(NRL) for theCanterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs,Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles,andParramatta Eels.
Background
editHarper was born inHamilton,New Zealand. Harper is ofMāori(Ngāti Maniapotomother andNgāti Tūwharetoafather) andIrishdescent.[2][3]
He played his junior rugby league for theNgaruawahia Panthersin theWaikato Rugby League.[4]
Career
editHarper made hisNRLdebut forCanterbury-Bankstownagainst theBrisbane Broncosin round 25 of the2019 NRL season.[5] In round 17 of the2020 NRL season,Harper scored two tries for Manly-Warringah in a 34–32 defeat against theWests TigersatBrookvale Oval.[6] In round 19 of the2021 NRL season,he scored ahat-trickfor Manly in their 44–24 victory over theWests Tigers.[7] Harper played a total of 18 games for Manly in the2022 NRL seasonscoring four tries as the club finished 11th on the table and missed out on the finals.[8]
2023
editHarper was limited to only nine appearances for Manly in the2023 NRL seasonas the club missed the finals. On 16 October 2023, Harper signed a one-year deal to joinParramattastarting in 2024.[9]
2024
editIn round 1 of the2024 NRL season,Harper made his club debut for Parramatta and scored a try as they defeated arch-rivals Canterbury 26-8.[10] Following a couple of indifferent performances to start the 2024 season, Harper was demoted to reserve grade by Parramatta head coachBrad Arthur.[11]
Harper made only eight appearances for Parramatta in the 2024 season as the club finished 15th on the table.[12] On 11 September 2024, it was announced that Harper would be departing the Parramatta club after not being offered a new contract.[13]On 17 November, it was announced that Harper signed with NSW Cup sideNorth Sydney Bearsfor the 2025 season.[14]
Statistics
edit| Year | Team | Games | Tries | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 |  Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
|
1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2020 |  Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
|
4 | 3 | 12 |
| 2021 | 23 | 8 | 32 | |
| 2022 | 18 | 4 | 16 | |
| 2023 | 9 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024 |  Parramatta Eels
|
8 | 4 | 16 |
| Totals | 64 | 19 | 76 |
References
edit- ^Rugby League Project
- ^Cousins, Wayne (9 February 2022)."Morgan Harper honoured to represent Maori All Stars".SeaEagles.com.au.
- ^Clarke, George (20 April 2022)."Keary to consider Ireland's call".Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser.
- ^Proszenko, Adrian (16 September 2021)."How family and footy have combined for Manly Sea Eagles centre Morgan Harper".Sydney Morning Herald.
- ^"Round 25 team lists".NRL.com. 3 September 2019.
- ^"David Nofoaluma 'definitely' deserves NSW Blues selection says Maguire following Manly miracle".www.sportingnews.com.
- ^"Penrith beat Brisbane 18-12, South Sydney thrash Warriors 60-22, Manly outclass Tigers 44-24".www.abc.net.au.
- ^"NRL 2022: Manly Sea Eagles season review".www.sportingnews.com.Retrieved7 October2022.
- ^"Morgan Harper joins Eels".www.parraeels.com.au.
- ^"Dogs' Foxx fear compounds rough night; Eels may have finally solved big issue: What we learned".www.foxsports.com.au.
- ^"NRL Round 5 Team Lists 2024".www.nrl.com.
- ^"The Mole's end of season review: What went wrong at the Parramatta Eels?".www.nine.com.au.
- ^"Eels farewell departing players".www.parraeels.com.au.
- ^Pryde, Scott (17 November 2024)."Former Junior Kiwi lands new home for 2025".Zero Tackle.Retrieved17 November2024.