Recovering Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman delighted by England squad inclusion

Newman was named in England boss Shaun Wane’s performances squad last year and has retained his place for a training session at Leeds Beckett University next Tuesday.

At 21, he is the youngest player in the latest 35-man group and is included despite not having played since suffering a bad break to a leg last September.

Covid rules could mean players who are unfit to train will not join in the get-together, to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, but Newman said he was delighted to still be in Wane’s plans.

“Especially being injured,” he said.

“Having been out for a while, it is nice to know I am still being considered for the England squad this year.”

Next week’s training session is the start of preparations for England’s mid-season game against Combined Nations All Stars at Warrington on June 25.

“I should definitely be back playing for Leeds by then,” Newman confirmed.

“Whether that’s too soon to play an international game, we’ll just wait and see.

“Obviously I want to play, but we’ll have to see.”

Wane said earlier this week Newman has a strong chance of playing for England in the World Cup, which kicks off on October 23.

Newman pointed out: “There’s a whole season to go until the World Cup and anything could happen.

“There’ll be injuries and people have obviously got to be playing well.

“My main focus is to get back playing how I was before I got injured, be better than that and improve on things I need to work on.”

Next week will be a crucial stage in Newman’s recovery.

“I’ve worked hard to get to where I am,” he stressed.

“I will continue to work hard to get back fit and I will do when I am fit.

“I see the specialist next Monday and we’ll have to see how that scan comes back but, at the minute, my running has improved a lot.

“I am nearly back to full speed and I am working hard with the S and C [strength and conditioning] coach at Leeds, Dan [Weaving], to get back on to the field.

“Based on some good news next week, we are probably looking at another four weeks before full training.

“And then, depending on how I go in full training, getting back up and running in mid-May or the end of May when I play again.”

Newman insisted he will not rush back before he is fully ready.

“I am not coming back just to play, I want to come back and perform,” he vowed.

“Obviously I am itching to play and mentally I am ready.

“I am not worried about my leg at all, I am over that.

“I am excited, but I have taken six months to get to where I am and I am not going to rush the last little bit.”

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