Harry Newman's season is 'most likely over' according to Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith. The centre left the field with a hamstring injury during last week's victory over Hull Kingston Rovers, and the Rhinos' worst fears over his fitness have now been confirmed.
Smith delivered the grim prognosis during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday lunchtime and said while Newman will be sent for further tests to ascertain the extent of the damage, the early feeling is that Newman's 2022 campaign has been brought to a premature conclusion.
"Harry is most likely done for the season," Smith said. "He's got a different injury, we're undergoing some further external assessment and treatment and we'll update on timeframes as we go but at this stage it's going to be season-ending at this stage.
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"You want your better players to be available for selection but the club has played without Harry for a bunch this year and it'll be about who's playing, not who isn't."
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Smith did insist, however, that Newman can still have an impact on his Leeds team-mates throughout the remainder of the season. "He's worked hard but he's got some clear direction about what he needs to rehab. He's been really good around the group and he wants to contribute around the environment as we're pushing forward."
When asked what it meant for Newman's chances of featuring in the World Cup, smith was coy on the subject. "I'm not sure what the selection process will be there," he said. "I don't know if he'll be available so I can't make too much comment about that."
There is better news elsewhere on the injury front for the Rhinos, though. Kruise Leeming is nearing a return to full fitness after suffering a stress fracture in his foot. Meanwhile, James Donaldson will play some part for the club again this year after undergoing minor knee surgery.
"Kruise is getting close," Smith said. "I'm not sure, probably it'll be the Catalans game I'd say. James Bentley has got through some training today but he's yet to be cleared for the weekend.
"Donno will play again this year most likely. He's recovered really well from a relatively minor but needed surgery. He had to have it done now so he's recovered well from it, the swelling is going down and we'll see how that looks in a couple of weeks."
However, forward Tom Holroyd - who has completed a lengthy ten-match suspension, looks likely to be unavailable for the remainder of the season due to an elbow injury.
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