Shaun Wane lauds praise on ‘brilliant’ Harry Newman

At one point this season it looked unlikely that Leeds Rhinos’ Harry Newman would play any part in the England and Tonga series yet he’s found the faith of Shaun Wane and now looks set to feature in each and every test.

Newman will be eager to line up on Saturday at Headingley given it’s his home ground but just months ago any prospect of representing his nation seemed distant given comments from England’s head coach. Wane had raised questions over the centre’s attitude and discipline issues however he’s honed them throughout this series and is now reaping the rewards.

Speaking to the press ahead of the third and final test Wane explained just how good the 23-year-old is, and how good he can become, explaining: “He’s been brilliant. He’s been fantastic. He’s been so enjoyable to coach. He’ll be in for a tough time tonight when we’ go through his video but he did a lot of good things. I rate him very highly.”

That’s in stark contrast to when he explained that Newman wouldn’t be in any of his plans on account of the Leeds man’s discipline issues, however Wane continued to pile on the praise in the media event at Headingley, as seen on Rhinos Youtube Channel.

“The way he’s changed and the way I want him to behave has been outstanding. So credit to the Rhinos, but they’re also getting the player back who will be a different player. He’ll be a lot more accomplished and a lot more steady,” he added.

“He knows what his job is and I think, not me, all my staff have done a great job with him.”

Newman has starred in both of the opening tests and looks set to go again with no real depth at centre within the squad but he could be a long-term feature of the squad, something that Wane has expressed as a focus for him as evidenced when he handed Jack Welsby the armband in George Williams’ absence.

In response to the suggestion Newman could have a long career representing his nation, Wane responded: “Yeah, I hope so. He’s really really enjoyable to coach, he listens to me and the other coaching staff. He’s a great character to have around the training park and around the hotel.

“He’s played well but there’s massive improvements in him left yet, which he’ll know about later than that. We’ll have a good chat and you’ll see an even better player on Saturday.”

One thing that was evident though was the self-awareness of Newman himself who was open and honest on his disciplinary issues, explaining how he responded to Wane’s previous critique and has utilised it to change his game for the better.

“Yeah, it’s been very special already. Like I said a few minutes ago, I’ve still got a lot more improvement in me. I know that myself. I’m not sat here saying I’m a complete player. I’m still a long way off what I know I can do and what I want to do.

“It’s been great to work under Shaun, he’s been very direct with me what he wants. So far, I think I’ve delivered that to a decent level but I need to step that up again.

“I think the way I’ve carried myself and the discipline has been great. There’s still a few things I can fix up probably more in my D side of the game.

“We’re playing against some big bodies and I’ve thrown the body in front but it’s just about doing it in every single minute and not lacking that concentration in a test match.”