A New South Wales representative forward, he played in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition for Western Suburbs for three seasons between 1980 and 1982, Canterbury-Bankstown for three seasons between 1983–1985 and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks for two seasons between 1986 and 1987.
In his debut first-grade season, Leis was selected to represent New South Wales in the 2nd state of residence game, and kept his place at lock for the inaugural State of Origin game in 1980. In the same year he was selected to tour New Zealand with the Australian national team, playing in 2 games on the 7 game tour, although he did not play in a test, and earned two Dally M awards in 1980 for lock-forward of the year and rookie of the year. He retired after the 1987 season after eight seasons in first grade.[2][3]
Leis was named at lock in the Western Suburbs Magpies Team of the Eighties.[4]
Starting his career in the country, Leis is a supporter promoting rugby league in country regions.[5]
