Steve Morris (rugby league)
Steve Morris | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 19, 1957 Australia |
| Other names | Slippery Morris |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby league footballer, Physical education teacher |
| Years active | 1970s–1990 |
| Known for | Rugby league player for St. George Dragons, Eastern Suburbs Roosters, New South Wales and Australia |
Steve "Slippery" Morris (born 19 June 1957) is a retired Australian rugby league athlete who competed during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his contributions at both state and national levels, he predominantly represented the St. George Dragons and the Eastern Suburbs Roosters throughout his career.
Career
Starting out as a halfback, Morris first drew notice while playing with the Dapto club. In 1978, he was selected to play for the New South Wales Country Rugby League team before advancing to represent both New South Wales and Australia. As of 2025, he holds the distinction of being the most recent player to represent Australia while still active in country rugby league competitions.
St. George Dragons
Morris signed with St George in 1979 and immediately made an impact by securing a premiership during his debut season in Sydney’s premier competition. His outstanding performance in the 1979 Grand Final earned him the Best Player accolade, awarded the Dave Brown Medal—currently known as the Clive Churchill Medal.
By 1984, under coach Roy Masters, Morris shifted successfully to the wing position. That year, he was honored with the Dally M medal as winger of the year and finished as the leading try scorer in the NSWRL. He also featured on the wing for St George in their 1985 Grand Final appearance.
Over eight seasons, Morris accumulated 180 appearances for St George. While he did not return to represent Australia after his initial selection, he did participate in State of Origin matches for New South Wales in both 1984 and 1986.
Eastern Suburbs
In 1987, Morris transferred to Eastern Suburbs where he played 58 games over two seasons, claiming a third Dally M Winger of the Year award during this period. Additionally, during Australian off-seasons, he competed for English side Leeds Rhinos, including playing on the wing in their close defeat to St Helens in the 1987–88 John Player Special Trophy Final held at Central Park, Wigan. Morris concluded his playing career in 1990.
Personal life
His twin sons, Brett and Josh Morris, followed in his footsteps by playing professionally in the National Rugby League (NRL).
As of 2025, Steve Morris is employed as a physical education teacher at Bomaderry High School located on the South Coast.