Harry Newman hailed as Hull FC coach talks future of Leeds Rhinos loanees

Hull FC interim coach Andy Last has piled praise on Leeds Rhinos loanee Harry Newman, whilst also assessing the centre’s future at the club.

Newman will make his third appearance for the Black and Whites on Sunday when Hull FC host Toulouse Olympique, whilst fellow Leeds man Jeremiah Matautia is set for appearance number two.

The duo have seen their one-week loan rolled over once again and in the eyes of Hull FC interim coach Andy Last, it is just a case of rolling short-term deals as opposed to a possible longer commitment.

“We’re just taking it week by week at the moment,” Last explained in his pre-match presser, shared via the club’s YouTube channel.

“As I said, they’re both Leeds players and Leeds’ priority is their club first. They’ll assess them every Monday morning and probably check the health of their own squad and the form of their own squad, then make decisions on the back of what they require.”

With Leeds currently the healthiest squad in Super League, as well as one of the form teams, it could be that those rolling loans continue but Last couldn’t comment on a longer-term deal.

He said: “We’re happy with the relationship at the moment. It’s worked well with us in the short-term and long-term, that’s something we’ll view as and when that comes.”

Harry Newman benefiting from Hull FC switch

Specifically on Newman, who has been very impressive in his first two starts for Hull FC, Last offered plenty of praise for the 26-year-old who is set to head to the NRL at the end of the season.

“He’s really enjoyed it,” Last said, adding: “I’ve got a relationship with Harry from working with him on the England programme so when he became available, I was keen to get him on board.

“I think Harry has benefited from a change of scenery, a different voice, a different club, and I think his performances have probably warranted that.”

The challenge now for both Newman and Hull FC is to bring the centre’s performances to a level whereby he can force his way back in at Headingley, something that Last said is beneficial for both clubs.

He explained: “We’re very very respectful and grateful for Leeds giving us two quality players like they have done, and Leeds will benefit from it. Harry at his best probably gets in their team so we’re working to get his form better.

“We’ll benefit from his form being good and long may that relationship continue, but they are Leeds’ players first and foremost but they’re getting the benefit from playing regular Super League.”

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