Harry Newman refuses to be distracted by Leeds Rhinos’ “great effort” at Wigan Warriors

Rhinos scored 22 unanswered points after trailing in the first half and Newman reckons they are building nicely for their opening Betfred Super League fixture at home to Hull in less than two weeks’ time.

“I thought in the first half we started really well,” Newman said.

“We bombed a chance – which was my fault – but Wigan came back strongly.

“We stuck in there and it showed the strength we’ve got as a group and how far we’ve come from last year.

“We got a try back just before half-time and at half-time we spoke about doing what we’ve been doing all pre-season.

“We came back out and put in a professional performance.”

The Liam Farrell testimonial game was Leeds’ final full-scale hit-out and their third successive win.

“It’s early, it’s only pre-season,” Newman pointed out.

“You can’t read too much into it, but as a group of players we’ll take three strong wins.

“We are scoring good tries, we’re creating a lot of chances and our defence is proving really good.

“All we can do is keep working hard and push on for that first game.”

Rhinos had to reshuffle when Matt Prior and Cameron Smith were ruled out because of illness.

They also lost Ava Seumanufagai early in the game with a knee injury.

Newman said: “I thought the young lads who came into the team were absolutely outstanding.

“Tom Holroyd hasn’t played for 12 months and he was great for us.

“He worked hard in defence and carried us forward.

“And Muzz [Muizz Mustapha] got a try so as long as those young lads keep coming through we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.

“We can build on this now and look forward to that first game.”