Harry Newman wasn’t expecting to be in Shaun Wane’s plans this Autumn. However, the Leeds Rhinos centre has featured prominently during England’s first two tests against Tonga – and now gets the chance to run out at his home ground for his country in Saturday’s third test at AMT Headingley.
Injuries and inconsistency plagued Newman’s 2023 domestic season – but the 23-year-old has found a new lease of life over the past two weeks under the watchful eye of England’s coaching staff.
“It’s probably been the proudest moment of my life,” Newman admitted.
“When Shaun rang me up, I was ecstatic and wasn’t expecting it really. I didn’t hit my best last season and I struggled with injuries. To get the call and then to tell me I was playing in the first test, I didn’t even know what to say. It’s been special, being around world class players and coaching staff has been great and I’m enjoying every minute.
“I understood what he wanted from me. He’s been direct with me from the start which has made it so much easier for me. Every player knows what Shaun wants from them and it’s been great to experience a different working environment. In the first two games I felt I proved what type of player I am but at the same time, I know I can do more.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute but I’m aware there’s a lot more I can improve on. I’m only 23 and I’m looking forward to what’s coming up.
“I’m hearing it’s going to be a massive crowd at Headingley. Playing international rugby, we want big crowds. Especially here at Leeds it’ll be special for me to be in that side. We need the win and to make it three nil will be massive.”
Like many of the young cohort of players in Shaun Wane’s England squad, Newman was somewhat stepping into the unknown during the first test at the Totally Wicked Stadium. But this exciting crop of youngsters have taken everything in their stride and excelled on the international stage.
“I didn’t know what to expect in the first game. I hadn’t played for a month, but I’ve always watched international rugby and it was the most physical game that I’ve played in. It’s a challenge and they’re some big lads that we’ve played against. We’ve stopped them and managed to dominate them over two tests. We’ll look to do that again on Saturday.
“It’s great to see the English system working. One of the tests for England schoolboys was here [in Leeds] and we had Harry Smith, Tyler Dupree, Morgan Knowles and Jack Welsby. It’s fantastic to see us all stepping up and playing at senior level. It’s a great feeling.
“It’s been a complete breath of fresh air. It’s been full of world class players who are in the squad for a reason. I think it’s been special how we’ve all bonded, obviously with us all being from different clubs its surprising how well we’ve got on and I think that’s showed on the pitch.”
