England Head Coach Shaun Wane has suggested Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman will return to Headingley a ‘better player’ following the Tonga series this month.
Harry Newman was selected as part of Wane’s 24-man England squad to take on Tonga this month, and the former Wigan Warriors boss has cited how ‘chats’ with the talented back earned him his place.
“I’ve had a few chats with him,” Wane told the media yesterday. “He’s been honest with me and I’ve been honest with him and we all know what a talent Harry is; he can play, he’s a great ball carrier, he can defend, he’s very competitive, sometimes over-competitive. Hopefully we’re sorting him out and we’re going to see the best of Harry in this three-term series”.
The England boss had previously suggested Newman needed to make improvements to his attitude following some feisty on pitch scuffles this season, however Wane was clearly impressed with Newman during their conversations.
When asked about what improvements Wane had seen in Newman, he responded: “more from our chats, I’ve got more from that. I’m very positive that he’s going to turn the corner and Leeds will get a better player back”.
Newman has had to wait a long time to make his England debut. He was selected in Wane’s 40-man wider squad prior to the mid-season test match against France back in April, but he had to pull out through injury.
However, he looks set to finally get his first senior cap this series against Tonga, as his inclusion in the England squad also cures a major selection headache for Shaun Wane with Brisbane Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth unavailable through injury.
The NRL star picked up a knock in his side’s Grand Final defeat to the Penrith Panthers last month; however Farnworth’s injury means that Harry Newman gets his chance in the spotlight in an England shirt.
Commenting on Farnworth’s injury, Wane said: “Yeah, I didn’t see that (knock Farnworth picked up). I thought he played well in the Grand Final, Herbie. He played well, but yeah, it was pretty soon after the game; but I’m looking forward to looking at Harry Newman now, he’s my focus.”
