Morgan Harper, the departing Manly Sea Eagles centre, has officially turned down the English Super League and a rumoured approach from Sam Burgess to sign a new two-year agreement with the Parramatta Eels.
The centre had become an essential component of the Sea Eagles team in 2021 and 2022, appearing in a total of 41 games, but a disastrous outing last season while defending Siosifa Talakai ended his tenure as a first-choice member in Manly’s 17.
Harper was in and out of Des Hasler’s 17 during his final days at the club, and he only played nine games in the centres for the Sea Eagles in 2023, with the development of Tolutau Koula and Christian Tuipulotu in the backs meaning even an injury to Tom was not enough to keep him out.
In the end, three of Harper’s nine games in 2023 were played in the final three rounds of the season, with the 25-year-old failing to cross the tryline at all.However, his move to Parramatta, who lost Waqa Blake to rugby union, will provide him with an opportunity to re-ignite his career.
“We are excited to welcome Morgan and his young family to our Club.” His talent and competitiveness will be appreciated, and I am confident he will be a valuable addition to our squad this season,” Parramatta general manager of football Mark O’Neill said in a club statement.
That said, he’ll be on the outside looking in for a berth in the blue and gold’s best 17, with backs Will Penisini, Bailey Simonsson, Daejarn Asi, Haze Dunster, Maika Sivo, Sean Russell, and youngster Samuel Loizou already vying for a spot.
Harper has played twice for the New Zealand Maori All Stars in the annual pre-season match, in addition to 56 first-grade appearances for the Canterbury Bulldogs and Sea Eagles.
