Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman has again been linked with an exit from the Rhinos to pursue opportunities in the NRL.
Newman has routinely been linked with a move down under since establishing himself as one of the best centres in the league, whilst having the potential to be one of the league’s top players moving forward if he can get over his injuries.
Newman became the first player in Super League history to be born in the 21st Century when he debuted for Leeds at 17 against Wigan Warriors as Brian McDermott named a young side a week before the Challenge Cup semi-final against Hull FC.
The Huddersfield born centre would really make his name in 2019 when he replaced Kallum Watkins at right centre and in 2020 was awarded the number three shirt. He would go on to win Super League’s Young Player of the Year in 2020 but miss the Challenge Cup Final after a leg injury, something that started his unfortunate run of injuries which also saw him miss the 2022 Grand Final.
Newman though received NRL and rugby union interest at the end of 2021 which was when Leeds signed him to a long term deal.
That deal though will expire at the end of 2024 leaving him available ahead of the 2025 campaign. After making his England debut, the Daily Telegraph reported that he was on the radar of NRL clubs again and Wide World of Sport have now claimed that the Rhinos centre is being pursued by NRL clubs, rugby union clubs and even Super League rivals.
Naturally, Leeds fans would start to worry but a positive for Rhinos fans is that the club are already working to sign him to a new deal with Serious About Rugby League understanding that a move to keep the centre is in progress.
If the club were to sign Newman to a long term deal that would be a massive boost for the club who have assembled a formidable attacking line up for 2024 with Paul Momirovski, Brodie Croft and Lachie Miller adding to the club’s array of attacking weapons. Newman is an integral part of this.
The centre had somewhat of a breakout international series against Tonga as he started and starred in all three games for Shaun Wane’s side, just weeks after Wane had publicly challenged him to sort out elements of his game. Given his performances have attracted NRL attention it’s fair to say he’s taken on board Wane’s advice.
