Harris returns to the Waratahs

Former Waratahs centre Sam Harris will return to NSW Rugby at the end of the NRL season after signing a two-year deal with the NSW Waratahs.

Harris has been granted a release from the Wests Tigers where he was contracted until the end of 2007.

“Sam comes back to the Waratahs at good time,” said Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie.

“He’s been in the NRL with Manly and the Tigers since the 2003 season and he’s matured a great deal as a footballer in that time.

“We’ve been looking for a physical presence at inside centre since the departure of Nathan Grey and Sam has all the attributes we need at 103 kilos.

“He’s also got impressive ball skills too which makes him a good all around package.”

Harris played 16 matches for the Waratahs between 2001 and 2002.

He believes he’ll return to Rugby a better player.

“The hard grind of the NRL has really put me in a much better position physically than I was when I left the Waratahs,” said the 26-year-old Harris.

“I was sidelined through injury but now I’m back to peak fitness and really looking forward to coming home to the Tahs.”

Harris spent three years at Manly (2003-5) before moving to Wests Tigers.

In 2004 he was selected in the City Origin side.

SAM HARRIS – STATS

Position: Centre – (Second Row NRL)
Born: 30.1.1980, Auckland NZ
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 103 kg
Club: Warringah pre-NRL, Manly NRL 2003-5, Wests 2006
NRL Matches: 64
NSWRU matches: 16 State, 13 Super Rugby
NSWRU points: 20 [4t] state, 10 [2t] Super Rugby
State Debut: 2001 Waratahs vs Cats at Sydney