Leeds Rhinos beat NRL and rugby union interest to make huge statement

Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman, 21, has agreed a new three year contact with the club that will keep him at Headingley until at least the end of the 2024 Betfred Super League season. 

Newman joined the Rhinos from Huddersfield community club Newsome Panthers and has become a mainstay of the first team squad since making his debut back in 2017 whilst still a teenager. The centre recovered from a double leg fractured suffered in 2020 to return to action last season and earned a call up to Shaun Wane’s England squad.

The 21-year-old was entering the final year of his existing contract in 2022 but this new three-year deal cements his future at Headingley.

He commented, “It’s been a stressful few weeks trying to get it all sorted but I am absolutely delighted to secure my future for the next three years. I finally know what I’m going to do and I feel really settled here and ready to kick on.

“My injury did make me think long and hard about what was the best next move for me. It made me realise that this is a short career and it can be over so quickly so I took my time with my decision.  I had this year left anyway and I did explore options in the NRL and also rugby union as well but I am delighted to be staying here. I’ve been here since I was 14 so to secure these next three years has really made me happy,” added Newman.

Having had a taste of the England camp this Autumn, Newman is determined to have a big year with the Rhinos next season to put himself in contention for Shaun Wane’s England squad for a home World Cup next Autumn. He added, “The World Cup is something I’ve had in mind for the last few years and been building towards it. Obviously last year the tournament got postponed which was probably good for me as I didn’t quite get to where I wanted to be physically having come back from such a big injury

“But it is a really exciting year for the sport and an exciting year for the club. We have a lot of young players who will be pushing to make that squad and, for me, I know the things I need to improve on to get myself physically ready to compete in Super League first,” added Newman.

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Richard Agar is delighted to have agreed a new contract with Newman, he commented, “Harry is an exceptional talent.  He is highly motivated and highly ambitious. Harry sets the bar very high for himself and we feel he has the potential to scale the summits of our sport.

“It’s fair to say he’s been one of the most sought after players in both codes of world rugby so to secure him on a long term deal is great news for the Rhinos and Harry.  There is still lots of development in him. His rise has been rapid but we all believe there is still huge potential for Harry to grow,” added Agar.