BY ADAM JOE

Former Australian centre and Sydney Roosters legend Mark Harris died on Wednesday night after a long battle with cancer.

Originally from Brisbane, the big centre played 195 games for the Roosters, 11 for the Kangaroos and 11 for the Blues. He finished his career at North Sydney.

“Harris cut an imposing figure on the field throughout his career,” the Roosters said in a statement.

“He was a strong and fast centre who etched his place in history when he scored the match-winning try in the 1974 grand final to end a 29-year Premiership drought.”

In 1973, Harris turned down a spot on the Kangaroos Tour to trial with the Philadelphia Eagles NFL team. He would eventually turn out for the Montreal Alouettes CFL side.

Harris was 72.