Harry Newman will represent his country against Australia on Saturday and is ready to grab the opportunity with both hands.
“I’m pretty emotional,” said Newman, who has featured six times for England at senior level throughout his career.
“To get picked for the last Ashes Test going back to Headingley is massive. I’m over the moon to get a chance to play against the Aussies. There’s no bigger game you can play.”
Newman is certainly no stranger to AMT Headingley Stadium, having starred on its iconic turf at both club and international level.
Headingley has been his club home with Super League’s Leeds Rhinos since 2017, and he also played a pivotal role in England’s Tonga and Samoa Test victories under the Leeds lights.
And having missed out on selection for the first two ABK Beer Ashes Tests this year, Newman was overjoyed when he received the news from England head coach Shaun Wane that he’d finally get his chance to shine at the weekend.
“When you’re not playing, it is tough to watch,” the England centre admitted. “It’s tough when you get told you’re not playing but you’ve got to get behind the lads and prepare and support them. I’ve enjoyed that challenge though. I’ve kept training as a hard as possible and now I’ve got my chance.
“It’s been a brilliant camp and I’m looking forward to playing and putting on that England shirt – it’s the biggest honour you can have as a player.
“I can’t wait. I’m excited to put my best foot forward and do my best for the team.”
Walking out at Headingley is always special for Newman, who is relishing an electric atmosphere from Saturday's sell out crowd:
“I’ve been there ever since I started playing professionally. I’ve had some great memories there with England too, such as winning the series against Tonga and Samoa. To go back there and hopefully do a job on Australia – I can’t wait for it.
“It’s going to be a full house, a packed stadium and another exciting opportunity.
“I just want to go out there on Saturday afternoon and give my all for the team. We need to win on Saturday.”
Mirroring the thoughts his head coach Wane, Newman insists England are 100% committed to getting that third test victory:
“That’s our only goal this week. Unfortunately, we have lost the Ashes, but all our talk and focus has been on building for the World Cup next year.
“And if you’re going to win a World Cup, then you have to beat Australia at some point. And if we can go and do that on Saturday when they’ve named their best team...
“It’s a massive challenge for us but one I’m excited for. I get the chance to play against some of the world’s best players and if we beat them, then we’ve beat the best team in the world.”
Newman is a fierce competitor, and you have no doubts that he’ll give it his all:
“I can’t wait to go and represent my country, and we’ll give it our best shot on Saturday afternoon.
“We’re looking for an 80-minute performance.
“We’ve been lucky enough to be involved in an Ashes that hasn’t been around in 22 years. It’s a once in a career opportunity.”
Will you be there to show your pride and passion and cheer on Newman and England in the third and final test?
The ABK Beer Ashes Series concludes on Saturday 8 November as the Third Test takes place at AMT Headingley Stadium in Leeds (K.O. 2:30pm).
It’s a complete sell-out, with Shaun Wane's England side looking to finish the series on a high!
The match will also be available to watch live on BBC One, with information on overseas coverage available here.
