Leeds Rhinos' Harry tipped to be new man on England's block - by Wakefield Trinity rival

Leeds Rhinos' Harry Newman could be an England star for the next decade, rival centre Reece Lyne says.
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Newman and Wakefield Trinity’s Lyne have both been named in new England coach Shaun Wane’s first performance squad ahead of this autumn’s Ashes Test series against Australia.

The Leeds man turned 20 last month and Wane isn’t the only one to have noticed his form so far this year.

Lyne said: “I have been really impressed with him.

Harry Newman. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Harry Newman. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Harry Newman. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
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“I have come up against him a couple of times and he is a real talent.

“He’s as strong as anything, has a lot of elusive skill and is fast so he’s definitely one for the future with a long career ahead of him.

“He could be the next England centre for the next five or 10 years or so if he keeps developing the way he is.”

Lyne reckons Newman’s inclusion - and the omission of players such as Hull’s Jake Connor - highlights how much talent there now is in the English game and means he and the other three-quarters in the squad will have to be at their best every week to retain their place.

Reece Lyne. Picture by Tony Johnson.Reece Lyne. Picture by Tony Johnson.
Reece Lyne. Picture by Tony Johnson.
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“There’s six or seven centres in the squad and obviously it’s missing the likes of Jake, who’s a fantastic player,” Lyne said.

“You just have to keep performing week to week. Shaun has already said it’s not a closed door for the players that aren’t in there and it’s not a certainty for those that are.

“You’ve just got to keep putting best foot forward with club rugby every week and hopefully that will take care of itself.”

Lyne, 27, won his only Test cap so far against France in 2018 and was a member of England’s side for last year’s World Cup nines. He admitted it was a relief to retain his place in the squad following the change of regime.

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“With a new coach involved you don’t always know what their plans are and what their thoughts on you are,” he said. “So, to get that recognition off Shaun Wane is really pleasing.

“It’s a big series against Australia, but a lot of things can happen between now and then. It’s good to get that initial recognition, but there’s a long way to go to getting in that team and playing in October/November.”