Michael James Harris

Mike Harris was one of a rare group of New Zealand aged representatives to pursue his national ambitions on the Australian side of the Tasman Sea.

A versatile utility back, and one of the code’s greatest ever goal-kickers, Harris harboured a secret from his mates during his time at Westlake Boys’ High School in Auckland - he was eligible to play for the Wallabies through an Australian-born grandmother.

Having represented his nation of birth at both Schoolboy and U20 levels Harris went on to make 33 appearances for North Harbour in New Zealand’s ITM Cup. Unfortunately, he was constantly overlooked by the Auckland Blues and it was Queensland coach Ewen McKenzie who backed him to succeed at the Reds at the beginning of 2011. Harris repaid that faith when he played a key role in Queensland’s maiden Super Rugby title.

In 2012, Harris, having unwittingly rewritten the Super Rugby record books by kicking 24 consecutive goals, made his Test debut against Scotland in Newcastle. Later that same year, and in what would be his one and only Test against the All Blacks, Harris kicked five penalty goals to help Australia to a surprise 18-18 draw in Sydney. His performance drew a quick and somewhat laughable response from New Zealand coach Steve Hanson who fumed about Kiwis being "pinched" by Australia.

Mike Harris played 10 Tests for Australia in his two-year international career.

Highlights

2012 Harris won his first Test cap when selected at inside centre in the starting XV for the 6-9 loss to Scotland in Newcastle. Eleven days later, and only six minutes after having come onto the field, Harris calmly slotted an angled penalty goal after the siren to give the Wallabies a 25-23 win against Wales in Melbourne. In the 2nd Test against Argentina in Rosario, Harris ignored the distraction of lasers aimed at his eyes to kick 20 points and secure an against-the-odds win for the injury-ravaged Wallabies. He won a total of eight Test caps over the course of the year, two of which came on the end-of-season Spring Tour.

2013 He was overlooked for the home series against the British & Irish Lions as well as the Rugby Championship but won selection on the end-of-season Spring Tour. Harris picked up caps in the victories over Scotland and Wales.