Rohan Smith took time out to praise the club's backroom staff after Harry Newman's outstanding return to action. The centre made an astonishing return from seven months out of action, scoring with his first touch just two minutes after entering the field.
It was part of a good night for the Rhinos as they defeated Wakefield Trinity 26-0 to secure back-to-back wins. Newman, as well as back-rower James Bentley, both came through unscathed on their returns.
While Newman inevitably drew praise from Smith, the Rhinos boss was keen to salute the staff that guided Newman through his rehabilitation.
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"Reflecting on it now, it's a nice and fitting way," Smith said. "He's been very patient, trained really hard, our physio team have done a terrific job with him and our strength and conditioning team has taken over the last little bit.
"Bentley looked very fit and sharp in the first game he's played since World Cup and even Nene in his first game looked ready to play, which is a testament to the coaches and S&C staff that have been getting them ready."
Smith decided not to bring Newman on earlier when Ash Handley was forced from the field with an ankle injury. Smith confirmed there is a phased return for Newman which means he's unlikely to play a full 80 minutes next week against Castleford Tigers.
"I'd made a decision in consultation with our medical and physical prep team to play him 25 to 30 minutes to get to ball rolling, as I would if he'd have played the first game of the pre-season, the first game he'd have probably played 25 or 30 minutes as well so I was applying that principal. Rhyse Martin is a very accomplished centre in my opinion so I had no hesitation playing Rhyse there until it was Harry's turn."
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