Harvey was a Manly junior who grew into a hard-hitting prop with a reputation for a high-arm action when making a shoulder charge.
In 1983, Harvey captain-coached the Tweed Heads Seagulls for a season, winning the Group 18 premiership as well as the Country Rugby League's Clayton Cup.
Harvey continued to play in NSW country leagues until 1992, with seasons at Forster-Tuncurry Hawks, Tweed Heads Seagulls and Wee Waa.
[6] Harvey finished his playing career at Wee Waa, leading the team to a grand final victory in the Group 4 competition at the age of 37.
[7] Harvey returned to the Gold Coast as coach of the Seagulls in 1994, succeeding Wally Lewis, who had held the post for the previous two seasons.