Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman makes huge decision on his future

Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman has made a decision on his future ahead of the new Super League season.

Newman was the first player born in the 21st Century to play in Super League when he debuted at 17 against Wigan Warriors in 2017.

Newman went on to feature sporadically in 2018 before becoming a first team regular in 2019. In 2020, he was awarded the number three shirt and won Super League’s Young Player of the Year award.

However that season would be the first stumbling block for Newman in terms of injury suffering a double leg break against Hull KR costing him a place in the 2020 Challenge Cup Final.

He would continue to have problems after returning from injury with hamstring injuries missing the 2022 Grand Final and the 2022 World Cup. But he is still one of the best and most exciting players in Super League.

This is why NRL clubs, Rugby Union clubs and other Super League clubs were chasing Newman who is out of contract at the end of 2024.

But due to the rules about approaching players, Leeds had the advantage until May to sign Newman to a new deal and have been able to secure his future beyond 2024 with a new contract.

This new deal keeps him at the club until the end of 2026.

Leeds Rhinos star turns down NRL clubs

Harry Newman signed the deal that was due to expire at the end of this year was agreed in 2021. This came as he emerged out of his first major injury – the double leg break from 2020 – in great form.

He scored some sensation tries against Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC which stirred up interest in Newman from Rugby Union clubs and NRL.

Newman played Rugby Union as a youngster and in 2021 and ahead of this new deal, it was reported that this was a very real possibility.

As was the NRL interest both in 2021 and 2024. Newman in 2021 turned down those other opportunities to remain at Leeds Rhinos and like Jack Welsby at St Helens he has done so again despite emerging on the radar of NRL clubs.

This came as he made his England debut but Leeds have been able to secure his future.