Rohan Smith provides Harry Newman update

Friday night was a mixed back for Leeds Rhinos.

They welcomed back Harry Newman from injury but lost Ash Handley to injury and today Rohan Smith gave his assessment of Newman’s injury:

“Ash is a lateral ankle ligament which is not great, but it could be worse. Looking like a four to six week injury.

“He has been playing well and is a real quality leader and someone who points to how we want to play footy.

“He is a key part of our team.”

However, Smith did say of Newman: “Newman is there and ready to go. He will play a bigger role this week.”

He confirmed that the young centre came through the game against Wakefield Trinity on Friday unscathed: “Harry has pulled up fine as he should after 25 minutes. It is just a case of following the principles of progressive overload.

“There is nothing quite the same as game day exertion so building that up, he is a unique character and athlete and building that up is the next little bit.”

He also praised his performance:

“He knows how to play. His kick chase and off the ball stuff was probably the highlight. He had a lot of energy and of course he scored one.

“People look for the big plays but it is the effort that we like.”