Leeds Rhinos boss Brad Arthur has hailed Harry Newman’s performance whilst out on loan at Hull FC but confirmed that competition for places at Headingley is red hot, hence the England centre is back with the Black and Whites this week.
Hull FC have also added Rhinos’ prop Jeremiah Matautia on a short-term loan basis with both men set to play on Friday night against Castleford in a game that will be played at the same time as Leeds’ home clash with Catalans Dragons.
News of Matautia’s loan move was first reported by Serious About Rugby League’s sister site The Yorkshire Evening Post before being confirmed by Hull FC, with Brad Arthur fielding questions about the prop’s switch.
Leeds signed Matautia ahead of the season but he’s only made a handful of appearances and spent recent weeks playing for the reserves, with the Rhinos boss confirming it’s a case of trying to ensure the overseas signing keeps his minutes up.
Brad Arthur said: “We need to make sure we are getting him some football at the highest level.
“Me and Bleasey [sporting director Ian Blease] have been talking about it for a week or two and to Jeremiah. We are trying to get a few of them some game time.”
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Leeds Rhinos boss explains latest loan moves
Arthur conceded that any loan moves are done on the reliance that other clubs need their players, with a move for Matautia ultimately falling through last week.
He explained: “It is on a needs basis from other clubs as well. We tried to get Jeremiah some time last week, but it didn’t happen so he played reserves.
“When we can we will, but at the end of the day we have got to do what’s best for our club and our players. It is a week-to-week proposition.”
That’s also the case for Harry Newman, whose performance last week for Hull FC Arthur asssessed positively.
“Harry played well for Hull last week. He needs to repeat that this week,” the Australian said.
“We are fortunate as a club at the moment that we are healthy and it is creating good competition for spots.
“The guys who have got a jersey at the moment appreciate their opportunity and they have got to make the most of it so they stay in that position.”
