Newman set leave Rhinos after 2026 season

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that England centre Harry Newman, 25, will leave the club at the conclusion of his current contract at the end of the 2026 Betfred Super League season.

Newman, who came through the Rhinos Academy system, made his first team debut back in 2017 for Leeds and has made 129 appearances in eight seasons at AMT Headingley, scoring 45 tries. He was an ever-present for Brad Arthur’s side last season and earned a call up to the England side for the third Ashes Test against Australia.

Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease commented, “Having spoken to Harry and his agent earlier this year, they stated to me that they were looking at Harry's options in the NRL for 2027 and beyond. As a club, we have a proud record of developing our young talent and giving them the opportunity to play at the highest level, as Harry did this year with England. 

“It is disappointing to be losing Harry for 2027 both for the Rhinos and the Super League competition but his departure allows us to look at other options for the squad going forward, including rewarding the next generation of young stars. I am sure Harry will want to finish his time at Leeds on the best possible note this season and has reiterated to myself and Brad that he remains totally committed to the Rhinos cause this coming season,” added Blease.

Head Coach Brad Arthur added, “Harry had a strong season last year and I know he took a great deal of satisfaction from being an ever-present. I am sure he will want to build on that during pre-season and have an even better year in 2026. Unfortunately, the nature of professional sport is that these things happen and sometimes, the timing can be hard for people to understand when there is so long to go before the move will take place. However, both ourselves and Harry know the situation and can move on now to make sure everyone has the best possible season next year.”

Commenting on his decision, Newman said, “This has been a tough decision for me but one I feel I needed to make at this stage of my career. Now the decision has been made I can move on with this season and finishing my time at the Rhinos in the best possible way with a big season in 2026 and helping bring silverware back to AMT Headingley.”