Canberra Raiders sign all around star Mark Morrow to development contract

When Mark Morrow arrived in Canberra for a Raiders scholarship camp he may have never imagined his flannelette shirt and jeans would help land him his first development contract.

The Canberra Raiders couldn't be more thrilled to have a young man like Mark Morrow in their stables.

With a three-year development contract in hand, Morrow will journey to the nation's capital once his schooling is done to link up with the NRL powerhouse.

Putting pen to paper on a development contract for one of Mackay’s best up and coming league talents, Raiders head of development Dean Souter admitted part of Morrow’s charm was his “countrified” sense of pride.

“When he came to the airport he was all countrified and dressed up … like a cowboy,” said Souter.

“I thought it was pretty cool.”

Morrow hails from a farming family in Queensland.

During a scholarship camp, Souter and the Raiders coaching staff were able to learn more about him beyond his footballing abilities.

Mark Morrow has always been an imposing figure within junior rugby. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“We got to know him a little bit on that scholarship camp,” said Souter.

“He was telling me about his family’s farm and the cane they grow and all the stuff he does on the farm - it’s pretty impressive.”

Souter was impressed with Morrow’s personality and maturity as well as his rugby league skills.

“Part of the pathways mantra here is that we obviously want to make them good footballers, but we also want to make them good young men,” said Souter.

“For us, it’s really important.”

Morrow made a strong impression on Souter during the scholarship camp, showing an interest in the coaches as people, rather than just as football mentors.

Mark Morrow enjoyed a 17-try season in 2022 for the West Tigers and in 2023 is showing no signs of slowing down, with a trifecta of tries in the Cyril Connell Challenge. Picture: West Tigers

“It‘s hard to get young blokes talking about anything outside of footy,” said Souter.

One night in the January camp, Souter took 20 players to a dinner and the coaches were sitting at their own table having a chat.

Among the chatter, Mark came across and sat down and began asking the coaches what they did outside of footy and about who they were as people, which Souter described as “such a refreshing thing to experience.”

Morrow‘s potential as a rugby league player has been recognised by others in the sport.

Mark Morrow is a much-loved member of the Mackay Cutters side and, with his strong personality skills and leadership capabilities, is integral to both the on and off-field success of the side. Picture: Mackay Cutters

He was ranked 46th last year in the Daily Mercury’s top 50 junior league talents to watch, further showcasing how improved and driven Morrow is to make it to the next level.

Morrow was also highlighted by Kim Williams, the Cutters development coach, as one to watch and a leader for this 2023 season in the Cyril Connell Challenge.

On the weekend, Morrow dazzled with a three-try performance, stamping his authority as one of the best junior talents not just in Mackay, but in the state of Queensland.

“We're pretty excited to have him in our system,” said Souter.

“We’re looking forward to having him down here in the not-so-distant future.”

Souter acknowledged that it’s not often the Raiders signed players from up north and was grateful Morrow landed with the team, given the presence of the Cowboys in Mackay.

“Obviously with the Cowboys (up here), they have a pretty good eye on who is in their backyard,” said Souter.

“Mark is quite an exciting prospect for us … we’re surprised the Cowboys haven’t got him anyway.

“I’m not too sure why they haven’t approached him, but I’m certainly glad he’s with us.”