Mike Harris’ return to the Wallabies fold appears over before it even begins after he suffered a hamstring tear in the Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby win over the Western Force.
The utility back was set to fly to Queensland straight after Sunday’s match to go into camp with the Australian squad but instead is staying home, with scans booked for Monday.
The 27-year-old was playing only his fourth game of the season after suffering a serious quad injury in round one, which was also against the Force.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he’d seen enough to include Harris in the 39-man squad before June’s three-Test series against England.
Harris showed why with some good form in the opening 10 minutes on Sunday but suffered the injury as he set up the Rebels’ first try, which was scored by Reece Hodge.
A shattered Harris made a quick exit from AAMI Park, and Rebels coach Tony McGahan said he felt for his playmaker, whose last Test was in 2013.
“It’s really disappointing that he will miss the opportunity,” McGahan said.
“Mike would be bitterly disappointed, no doubt at all as he’s worked hard to get back in this position.
“In the limited time he’s played this year he’s been a big influence on what we’re doing and the Australian selectors saw enough in him.”
The Rebels don’t play again until early July due to the Test break, and McGahan said he couldn’t say whether Harris would be available for the closing three rounds.
Veteran centre Tamati Ellison was ruled out for the season during the week after damaging his calf at training.
“We certainly hope Mike’s not ruled out for the season because we have already four or five backs so we don’t want to add to that list,” McGahan said.
John R
Roar Guru
Ah good for him. Plenty of potential in the lad. Nice that the spare spot has gone to a Rebels teammate of Harris' as well.
Brett McKay
Expert
Reece Hodge has been called into the squad in place of Harris..
Dontcallmeshirley
Guest
With all due respect to the guy...he is good Super Rugby player but I do think there are better players that Australia can pick. I suspect that he would not have made the grade when 39 becomes 32.
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Steve Hansen whinging? Never! :)
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Pretty tough luck for the bloke. He played well against the Lions in 2 tests if I remember. Didn't he kick the winner in the 2nd test, and people asked why he wasn't the kicker in that 1st test when KB slipped taking the shot to win the match?
Jason
Guest
No loss. Just get a ball machine to put up the bombs in training or can`t the ARU afford one now after spending all that $$$$$$$$$$$$$ on SYDNEYS very own TAJ MAHAL at MOORE PARK.....
John R
Roar Guru
Hopefully he gets a shot in the EOYT tour, as he's off to Lyon.
Boz the Younger
Guest
Yes, another winning move by the Carmichael/Graham team.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Very underrated indeed. Especially by the Reds who did little to try and retain him.
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
Yes a big week for Mike Harris. The high and the low. But there will be other weeks.
Boz the Younger
Guest
Poor guy, he is a very under-rated player, I still remember his laser boot taking the Wallabies to a draw in Brisbane in 2012, with Steve Hanson throwing a tantrum that we were using a Kiwi player that no Super Franchise had given a chance.