02 November 2023 , 12:35
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Harry Newman will run out for England at Headingley on Saturday overflowing with confidence but also believing his best is yet to come.
The Leeds Rhinos centre has featured in the first two Tests against Tonga and another win on his home ground would complete a 3-0 series whitewash.
Newman’s inclusion came after uncompromising England boss Shaun Wane warned the 23-year-old to raise his game and become more disciplined.
The message has been heeded and highly-rated Newman said: “When Waney rang me and told me I was in, I was ecstatic. It probably wasn’t expected as I wasn’t at my best this season and struggled with injuries, so to get the call and then play in that first Test, I didn’t know what to say.
“They brought our families in and I received my first cap off my mum and dad so it’s been really special. It’s been the proudest moment of my life and I’m enjoying every minute of being around world-class players.”
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Newman’s talent has never been up for debate but his temperament has been called into question at times – not least by Wane. Crucially, however, his performances in the first two Tests had the England coach hailing his “brilliant” impact on the team.
Newman explained: “The main improvement is the way I’ve carried myself and the discipline has been great too. There’s a few things I can fix up defensively I’ve learned a lot from these last two weeks. It’s about staying concentrated for every single minute of the game.”
Encouragingly, Newman reckons his best is yet to come in a career cruelly dogged by major injury setbacks. He reflected: “I’m 23 and it’s taken a long time to get to this point.
“I’ve had some tough times but I’ve stuck at it and will never give up. I know I’ve got a lot more improvement in me and I’m not saying I’m a complete player. I’m still a long way off what I know I can do and want to do. I’ve performed to a decent level but need to step up again.”
Shaun Wane has told Newman he needs to be more disicplined (Getty Images)In December 2018, Newman helped the England Academy side to victory over the Australia Schoolboys at Headingley, sealing a 2-0 Test series win.
An 18-6 success saw Newman feature alongside Jack Welsby, Morgan Smithies and Harry Smith, now his team-mates at senior level. A huge crowd is expected at Leeds’ iconic ground for a double-header that will see England women take on Wales beforehand.
Newman added: “We’d dominated Tonga in the first two Tests and to make it 3-0 would be massive.” Captain George Williams returns after suspension while Ben Currie, Tyler Dupree, Robbie Mulhern, Morgan Smithies and Josh Thewlis could all feature.