Leeds Rhinos Harry Newman now "knows what it takes" after England call-up

03 February 2024 , 17:00

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Leeds Rhinos' Harry Newman (Image: James Heaton/News Images)

Harry Newman has proved the doubters wrong but he isn't done yet.

The talented Leeds centre made his England debut in last autumn's series drubbing of Tonga. Newman had come in for criticism earlier in the year with question marks over his character and attitude. But he was pitch-perfect on international duty helping England wallop the tourists 3-0.

And now the 23-year-old hopes to transform that into Super League with Rhinos kicking off against Salford on Friday week. Newman admitted: "I don't think I had the best year last year with injuries and form-wise. So to be selected for England at the end of the year was great.

"I thought towards the back end of that series I'd started to show what I could do on that stage. The biggest thing was learning from all those players who'd been there and done it at that level - and knowing what it takes."

Newman lines up in team-mate James Donaldson's testimonial on Sunday when Rhinos, who failed to make the play-offs last term, host Hull KR.

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Fans will get a first sight of ex-Man of Steel Brodie Croft in Leeds colours, the Aussie stand-off who's joined in a big money deal from Salford. Newman, in talks with Rhinos to extend his own contract at the end of the season, said: "I'm going to be on the same edge as Brodie this year so it's exciting for me.

"Everyone's excited by what he can do in Super League. We've seen it. Hopefully, he can put this team in some good positions as well as me personally. He's a great player and a great lad.

"The last few years have been disappointing [for Leeds] but the club's invested well now. We've got some quality players in and we should be there [challenging]."

And Newman hopes to have finally put an injury-ravaged few seasons behind him. He said: "I've not had a full pre-season for three years so to get that this time has been good. I've really enjoyed it. Now I'm looking forward to putting it all into practice."

David Craven