Paul Harkin (born 8 March 1958) is an English former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, and coached in the 1990s.
[2] During the 1980–81 season, Harkin played scrum-half in Hull Kingston Rovers' 7–8 defeat by Leeds in the 1980–81 Yorkshire Cup Final at Fartown Ground, Huddersfield on Saturday 8 November 1980, and played scrum-half in Hull Kingston Rovers' 9–18 defeat by Widnes in the 1980–81 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 2 May 1981, in front of a crowd of 92,496.
During the 1985–86 season, Harkin played scrum-half in the 22–18 victory over Castleford in the 1985–86 Yorkshire Cup Final at Headingley, Leeds on Sunday 27 October 1985, played scrum-half, and was man of the match in the 8–11 defeat by Wigan in the 1985–86 John Player Special Trophy Final at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 11 January 1986,[4] and played scrum-half in the 14–15 defeat by Castleford in the 1985–86 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London, on Saturday 3 May 1986, in front of a crowd of 82,134.
[5] In the 1987–88 season, Harkin played scrum-half and was man of the match (winning the White Rose Trophy) in Bradford Northern's 12–12 draw with Castleford in the 1987–88 Yorkshire Cup Final at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 17 October 1987, and played scrum-half in the 11–2 victory over Castleford in the replay at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 31 October 1987 He played scrum-half, scored 2-tries, and was awarded the White Rose Trophy for the second time in the 20–14 victory over Featherstone Rovers in the 1989–90 Yorkshire Cup Final during the 1989–90 season at Headingley, Leeds on Sunday 5 November 1989.
[8] In August 1992, Harkin was transfer listed by Halifax following the signing of Paul Bishop,[9] and was eventually sold to Hunslet, where he finished his playing career.