Southport gun prepares for perfect audition in pursuit of 2023 goals
WITH the goal of earning a Queensland Cup debut next year firmly on his mind, there could perhaps be no finer way for Zane Harris to showcase his credentials than this weekend.
The Southport halfback will face off against a Burleigh Bears outfit fresh off claiming the Rugby League Gold Coast minor premiership, and with that a week off as the Tigers battled to a 36-20 victory over Runaway Bay.
Harris has played through his first season back on the Glitter Strip after stints in NRL systems at the Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters, guiding the Tigers behind a forward pack featuring former State of Origin sensation Greg Bird and 2021 Norths Devils premiership winner Pe Te Ora Rogers. But while he said a return to a first-grade pathway was on his radar, ultimately he was not looking too far ahead and was instead honing in on securing a grand final berth.
“I’ve played a few good games here and there, obviously I’ve had my fair share of average ones too, but bouncing between the centres and halves has been a good experience,” Harris said.
“It’s definitely something I’m not opposed to for sure, but I’m taking it one day at a time at moment. After some tough years with Covid it’s been hard to get into personally.
“It’s just taking it as it comes and next year hopefully I can play a bit of Cup. I’m not opposed to going anywhere, I’d be pretty happy wherever.”
Given how the two units have traded blows all year in gruelling affairs, a test of attrition is expected, and the Tigers will have the ideal man to make the most of any chance they get.
Malachi Morgan has surged to the top of the competition’s try scoring tally, crossing 14 times in 16 appearances. While he has played much of the season on the wing, Harris confirmed Morgan would line up in the centres next to him as they plotted to beat the Bears at their own game.
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