Hot-head Harry Newman insists he can keep lid on emotions ahead of England bow

22 October 2023 , 08:41

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Newman is determined to take his chance on the international stage (Image: PA)

Harry Newman has vowed to take his big England chance - and prove he’s no cry-baby.

The gifted Leeds centre, 23, is set for his long-awaited debut against Tonga in Sunday’s first Test. Undoubtedly one of Super League’s top talents, he’s suffered horrendous bad luck with injuries. But hot-headed Newman has also come in for criticism for his temperament with even England boss Shaun Wane questioning his petulance last month. He’s had a number of run-ins with officials, been yellow carded for dissent more than once and even squared up with his own Rhinos team-mate Tom Holroyd earlier this year.

But no-nonsense Wane has told him the deal now he’s on the biggest stage of all and Newman admitted: “I know what I have to do. I play with passion and it probably sometimes comes across the wrong way. Sometimes it boils over but I’m a big competitor. I don’t want that side of my game to go. It’s just about channelling that.

“Sometimes I've taken it too far. But I’ve had some good chats with Waney. I think I can get that sorted and prove it in an England shirt. I need to focus on what I can do well for this team both with and without the ball. I know what that is and so does Waney. I’m not sitting here saying there’s nothing I need to work on. I’d be the first one to say it. I know there is. But I will improve in that stuff. I’ve got a chance in some Test games now and I think Waney will get the best out of me. I’ll be raring to go Sunday.”

Newman was in Wane’s first England squad in 2020 but suffered a horrendous double leg-break later that season and serious hamstring issues saw him miss last year’s World Cup. But he’s played 17 games this term, his best return since 2019, and reckons he can now make the most of his England shot with fellow centres Herbie Farnworth, Mark Percival and Jake Wardle all crocked.

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He said: “It definitely makes it all worthwhile. The moment Waney told me I rang my mum and dad. After everything I've been through - the leg break, two hamstring ops, missing the World Cup here - it means absolutely everything. It’s the biggest honour you can have and I can’t wait to challenge myself against Tonga and those sorts of players.”

Leeds star Newman has come in for criticism for his temperamental nature (James Heaton/News Images)

With the banned George Williams missing today’s game and Saturday’s second Test at Huddersfield, St Helens star Jack Welsby becomes the youngest captain in England history aged just 22. He’s one of three players featuring today - Newman and Wigan scrum-half Harry Smith being the others - who helped England Academy defeat the Australian Schoolboys five years ago. Welsby has won three Super League titles and a World Club Challenge since while Smith masterminded Wigan’s Grand Final success last week.

But as England bid to put last year’s painful World Cup semi-final exit against Samoa to bed, Newman finally gets the chance to now come of age as well.

Probable line-ups

England: Welsby, Makinson, Newman, King, Johnstone, Lewis, Smith, Burgess, Walker, Lees, Whitehead, Bateman, Radley. Substitutes: Clark, Farrell, McMeeken, Knowles.

Tonga: Koula, Tupou, Hopoate, Suli, Penisini, Lolohea, I Katoa, Fonua-Blake, Havili, Fotuaika, Frizell, Koloamatangi, Kaufusi. Substitutes: Fainu, E Katoa, Tatola, Sele.

David Craven