Rohan Smith gives his honest opinion on Harry Newman

As Leeds Rhinos stunned Wigan Warriors last night having trailed 14-6 at the break with a man down, Harry Newman was the hero with two tries.

The first got Leeds back into the game at 14-0 and the second gave Leeds the lead at 24-18 and it was a lead they wouldn’t let go as they win 40-18.

Both were sensational intercepts from the centre who has been in the spotlight this week after reports of a heated exchange with teammate Tom Holroyd were confirmed.

Speaking after the game, Rohan Smith was asked about how he manages a player like Newman.

He said: “Not a challenge, it is an opportunity. I take every dealing with a player as a privilege and the way he bounced back after last week he was really good but it wasn’t just the big plays, it was the little stuff.

“He is a class player.”

Newman is certainly one of Super League’s best players at the moment and could be a key figure if Leeds are going to build on the win last night and challenge at the top in the latter half of the season.

Time will certainly tell on that front.

Interestingly, Sky Sports’ Brian Carney said the centre “maybe looking for an out” before the game despite the fact his contract runs until 2024.

However, his performance in the win would suggest he’s more than settled.