Steve Morris

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Steve Morris (born 1957) is a former Australian rugby League footballer, a state and national representative whose club career was played with the St George Dragons and the Eastern Suburbs Roosters

Initially a halfback, Morris came to selectors' attention when playing for the Dapto club. In the 1978 season he gained selection in the New South Wales Country Rugby League side and was then chosen to represent New South Wales and Australia. He was the last player to represent Australia from a country club.

In season 1979 Morris joined the St George club and won a premiership in his debut year in the Sydney top grade. In the 1979 Grand Final he took out the Best Player award, the Dave Brown Medal (now known as the Clive Churchill Medal).

In 1984, under Dragons coach Roy Masters, the speedy halfback made a very successful transition to the Wing position, that season he was awarded the 'Dally M' medal for winger of the year. He was the NSW Rugby Football League's top try scorer in 1984.

All up he played 180 games for the Dragons over eight years at the club and whilst he did not represent for Australia again he made further appearances for the New South Wales Blues under the State of Origin selection criteria on the wing in game III of 1984 and game I of 1986.

In 1987 he moved to the Eastern Suburbs club playing 58 matches over two seasons and winning a second "Dally M Winger of the Year" award. During the Australian off-season Morris enjoyed a successful stint at English club, Leeds RLFC.

Steve Morris retired from the game in 1990. His twin sons Brett and Josh Morris currently play for St George Illawarra.

[edit] References

• Whiticker, Alan & Hudson, Glen (2006) The Encyclopedia of Rugby League Players, Gavin Allen Publishing, Sydney
• Andrews, Malcolm (2006) The ABC of Rugby League Austn Broadcasting Corpn, Sydney