Rhinos star Newman made at home in England camp

Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman says he has been made to feel welcome in the England camp after making his international debut in last Sunday’s win over Tonga at St Helens.  

Newman was given his debut by Head Coach Shaun Wane at the weekend and his hoping he has done enough to retain his spot for this Saturday’s second Test in his home town in Huddersfield. 

Reflecting on his debut he said, “It was amazing, definitely the proudest moment of my life was receiving my cap with my family there the night before the game, which was a massive surprise. We had been for a team meal and Shaun said we had another meeting in the lounge. It had been a long day with lots to take in so everyone was wondering what was happening then I got down there and all our families were there. My mum and dad gave me my cap made it a special feeling.

“That night when I went to bed, the nerves kicked in massively, when I woke up it was the most nervous I have been for a long, long time. We had video messages from family which was special. My grandad is in a care home with dementia, hopefully he will be well enough to make the second test, and it was great to see his message. They are a great bunch of boys at England who have made me feel very welcome,” added Newman.

Newman has revealed that two NRL stars have helped him settle into the international environment. He revealed, “I have been close with Elliot Whitehead and John Bateman, they have really helped me and I’ve been hanging around them and learning lots of them.”

The Rhinos centre admits it was a tough baptism on Sunday in the clash with Tonga. He added,  “Most of their squad are NRL players and it was a massive test for me against some of the biggest players in the world. Fonau Blake ran at me every kick off and I had to put my body on the line. I think I handled the occasion well on defence and with the ball and hopefully, I can build on that this week.”

If Shaun Wane gives him a second cap this Saturday, Newman says it will be a special moment for him.  “At this level, you have to take each week as it comes. I need to play well in my home town this week if I get picked. That will be special. It is a great location for a Test match with a central point for fans from all over to come to. Going to Headingley the following week will be another great occasion and hopefully, all the Leeds fans come out.”

Away from the international scene, Newman has been keeping in touch with the Rhinos during a busy off-season but has had to keep a few secrets to himself! He revealed, “I’ve kept in touch with Rohan.  I have been going in to Kirkstall three times a week to keep myself fit since the end of the season. 

“I was really pleased to hear the news last week about Brodie Croft and Andy Ackers. It is what the club wanted and needs, it is exciting for me to play with guys of that calibre. I spent some time with Andy Ackers in the fallout squad with England, he’s a great guy, and it looks like we are building a great squad for 2024. In fact, I rang Rohan after an England session and said, ‘are we signing Andy Ackers?’, he asked me how I knew and I told him I’d been training with him all morning! Andy is going to bring a lot of experience and class to the club. Personally, I am looking forward to linking up with Momirovski, he has played at top clubs over there and linking up with him will be special.”

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