 Rod Steiger was the early main contender to play Lieutenant Harry  "Breaker" Morant and later, Australian actor Terence (Terry) Donovan  was highly considered and became the favourite for the part. Donovan  had worked with Director Bruce Beresford in the South Australian  Film Corporations earlier 1979 production, "Money Movers" . Terence  Donovan was eventually given another part, that of Capt. Simon Hunt,  as the lead role went to "Callan" star, Edward Woodward due to a  desire to have an international star in the leading role.