Harry Newman ruled out for the season
Leeds Rhinos boss Rohan Smith has confirmed that star centre Harry Newman has been ruled out for the season.
The England international has suffered a new hamstring injury, which Smith says will mean his Leeds season is most likely over, no matter how far the Rhinos go in the play-offs this year.
“Harry Newman is most likely done for the season,” said Smith.
“He has got a different injury. We are undergoing further external assessment and treatment and will update on timeframes as we go. But at this stage it is going to be season-ending, including play-offs.”
World Cup in doubt for Newman
Newman left the field injured during the Rhinos win over Hull KR at the weekend. But the club have stressed it is a fresh injury rather than a reoccurrence of the hamstring injury that has already kept him on the sideline twice this season.
“The club has played without Harry for a bunch this year so it will be about who is playing rather than who isn’t.
“For Harry on a personal level we are disappointed for him as he has worked really hard. But he has some clear direction about what he has to rehab, not just the hamstring but a whole system approach to bullet-proofing for the future.
“He has taken the news really maturely. He’s disappointed clearly but he has got stuck into his rehab and treatment and been really good around the group and wants to be able to contribute as we push forward.
“I’m not sure about the World Cup. I don’t know if he will be available.”
Smith says he and the coaching staff are upbeat about the loss of Newman, having had to make do without the injury-plagued youngster for large parts of the season already.
Options to fill in include wingers David Fusitua and Tom Briscoe. Both Zak Hardaker and Rhyse Martin are also comfortable in the position.
“We have plenty of options,” Smith confirmed.
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