Harry Newman is ready to make his eagerly-awaited comeback for Leeds Rhinos in Friday’s Super League derby at Huddersfield Giants. The highly-regarded centre has not played since aggravating a previous hamstring injury during the 34-18 win at Wakefield Trinity on March 3.
He underwent surgery but, after three months on the sidelines, Newman is now fit and raring to go for Rohan Smith’s side. The 22-year-old told Rugby League Live: “I’m really close now and I wasn’t far away from playing last week at Warrington.
“I feel I’ve got a pretty good chance of being involved against Huddersfield. Whether or not I’ll start remains to be seen, but I’ll certainly be in and around the squad this week. I’ve been back in full training for a couple of weeks now and my body feels good – the hamstring feels good – so it’s just a matter of time now.”
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Newman admitted his latest cruel injury setback had tested his mental resolve. The game against Wakefield in round four was his comeback appearance from the previous hamstring injury.
The England World Cup hopeful explained: “Having come back from injury and then it happening again in my first game back was obviously tough to take.
“But my rehab has gone well and I’ve worked hard to get myself in good shape. I feel ready to play now and hopefully that will be the case on Friday night. I’ve just got a few more things to get through in training this week and then I’m sure Rohan will make a decision from there.”
Newman accepts he will be lacking match sharpness but feels his overall fitness will stand him in good stead for his return.
“Playing 80 minutes in Super League is completely different to a training session,” he said. "But I feel good and have been in this position before when I came back from a leg break after 11 months out. I know what it takes and how hard it is but I’m just looking forward to playing again now.”
Leeds head to Huddersfield on the back of a stunning 40-4 demolition of Warrington Wolves last Friday. It hinted at their play-off potential heading into the second half of the season and Newman added: “It was an outstanding performance.
“I’m excited about getting back amongst that and bringing my best to the team. I just hope I can add a little extra to that attacking style of play.”
Having played only once this season, Newman is relishing the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Aussie playmaker Blake Austin, who has secured a contract extension to stay at Leeds for the 2023 campaign.
“He’s obviously played in the NRL and in a number of big games,” said Newman. "He’s been around the game for a while and I’m looking forward to playing outside Blake, learning from him and all the other lads too. We’ve got a lot of good players within the squad and more of the lads are coming back after injury.
“Subsequently, you’re starting to see better performances in games, so hopefully I can play my part too. I think if you ask any of the lads they will say they are enjoying working under Rohan. He’s been great, really hands on, and just focuses on where we want to go as a team and what we want to improve on.
“But above all, it’s just been about taking it week to week. It’s hard for anyone to come in mid-season, but there is a buzz about the place at the minute. We just need to keep turning up on a matchday and working hard on the training ground in the week. I’m sure come the end of the year we will be there or thereabouts.”
