Harry Newman was one of the standout performers for England in their 3-0 series win over Tonga and the Leeds Rhinos centre has spoken on how the “shock” call-up has set him up for the new Super League season.
There’s never been a doubt over the 23-year-old’s talent, as seen by the fact he debuted at just 17 and has been named Super League Young Player of the Year previously.
One issue that England boss Shaun Wane in particular called out was his attitude, the England boss speaking about the hot-headed manner of the centre, who at times has been criticised.
That meant it was a shock to fans and to Newman himself when he earned a call-up for the end of season internationals, however the Headingley man seized the chance as he put in three stellar performances.
“Obviously I said last year that it came as a shock,” Newman explained when discussing the call-up on the Leeds Rhinos Youtube channel.
“I’ve worked hard for a long time now and probably had some bad luck but no, it was a nice way to finish 2023 but really looking forward to 2024.
“It’s a big year for me personally and this team and I just can’t wait to get out there with all the new lads and the lads that have been here for a long time.”
Due to his involvement in that series Newman didn’t feature in the traditional Boxing Day clash against Wakefield Trinity, meaning fans haven’t yet seen him post his England stint however he’s assured them he’s in fine nick.
Newman stated: “I had a good time off over Christmas, obviously I didn’t play on Boxing Day, which was a decision we made after coming back from the international game at the end of the year. I’m now feeling fit, feeling strong, just looking forward to the season now.”
Linking up with Leeds Rhinos’ new signings
There’s been plenty of change at Headingley over the off-season, the stadium being rebranded as AMT Headingley for one, but within the club there’s been a lot of personnel change with new signings.
Rohan Smith has built a whole new spine for his side, whilst also adding some strike in the centres alongside Newman in the form of Sydney Roosters man Paul Momorovski.
Newman spoke on the impact that the NRL star has already had on him in the early pre-season, explaining: “I think it’s been great just linking up with different players. Obviously we’ve brought some exciting players in. Paul Momorovski’s come in and he’s obviously played centre.
“He’s been working on my game with me, especially defensively, talking to me a lot about the positions I need to get in and where I can improve.
“I think we’ve built really nicely, those combinations are coming really well. Obviously linking up with Crofty (Brodie Croft) on the right, it’ll be great and having Fus (David Fusitu’a) outside me as well, so I’ve got a lot of experience around me.”
Future with Leeds Rhinos
Given how incredible Newman’s England performances were the talks around his expiring contract heightened again and remain a hot topic of conversation.
Currently the centre is out of contract at the end of the 2024 season and if he can replicate his country form for his club then he’d certainly be a huge loss for the Rhinos,
One potential reason why the club haven’t pulled the trigger would be the heavy recruitment they’ve done this off-season already could have created a salary cap issue, whilst another reason may be focused on the overall fitness of Newman.
The centre hasn’t played more than 20 games in a season since 2019, making just 50 appearances across the past four seasons at an average of 12.5 games per year.
A fully fit and in form Harry Newman would be worth his weight in gold and that’s what the centre is focusing on.
Speaking on his goals for 2024, he explained: “I’m just looking forward to a fully fit year, build some confidence. I feel like I’ve got that in the body now, I’ve been training for a fair few weeks. I’ve got some running Ks in the legs, so no, it should be exciting.”
