Leeds Rhinos head coach Rohan Smith has provided an update to Harry Newman’s injury.
The centre suffered a bad injury to his lip in the Rhinos’ victory over Castleford Tigers in Rivals Round, forcing him off the pitch early on.
He was given a head injury assessment, and did pass the concussion test, but was taken to hospital for stitches.
The 24-year-old shared a graphic image of the injury on social media after the game.
Credit: Imago Images
However, Smith offered some positive news: “Harry seems to be recovering well.
“He got moving in today’s field session. He has taken a decent bang on the lip, but the mouth heals particularly quickly.
“There was a tremendous-looking stitch job that was done, it looked very clean and tidy the day after the game, and now it’s just a matter of it settling down and some of the swelling going out of his lip.”
Although he seems to be healing well, it’s not clear whether he’ll be able to play this week.
“He understands that it’s a combat sport and that’s the price you pay sometimes, but he is a tough young kid and has been making the right noises about playing this week.
“We’ll go up to Thursday and make a call on that, but it’s looking like he’ll be alright to play.”
Newman only played seven games last year, due to a hamstring injury, and only recently returned from his extended layoff.
The Rhinos will be without Justin Sangare, after his one-match penalty notice, but after a successful appeal, Cameron Smith will be available for selection.
Cameron Smith had been given a Grade B Dangerous Contact charge, and was at the upper end of the grade, due to previous incidents, so originally had a one-match penalty notice.
However, this has been downgraded to Grade A, which carries only a fine.
Leeds Rhinos host Warrington Wolves on Friday 5th March at 8pm.
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers secure two players as they step up recuitment
