Emotional Leeds Rhinos ace Harry Newman 'over the moon' at England call for final Ashes Test v Australia
After two frustrating weeks on the sideline, “emotional” Leeds Rhinos ace Harry Newman is determined to make the most of a long-awaited crack at Australia.
Saturday’s final ABK Beer Ashes Test will be Newman’s sixth England cap and third on home turf at AMT Headingley. The series is already lost, with the Kangaroos 2-0 up, but Newman reckons an England victory would be the ideal start to preparations for next year’s World Cup, for him and the team.
He stressed: “If you want to win a World Cup, you’re going to have to beat Australia at some point. Playing well against them is something I’ll be looking to do. I just want to go out there, give my all for the team and put my best foot forward.
“We need to win, that’s our only goal this week. Unfortunately we’ve lost the Ashes, but our focus and talk has been on building for next year and the World Cup. They’ve named their best team and it’s going to be a massive challenge. It’s one we’re up for and excited about. If we beat them on Saturday, we’ve beaten the best team in the world.”
The Aussies won the opener 26-6 at Wembley and came out on top 14-4 in Liverpool last week, after the first half was shared 4-4. Newman believes there’s less between the teams than the 40-10 aggregate suggests, but admits England can’t afford any lapses.
He said: “Even in the first game we had some chances and if we’d executed a bit better, I think it would have been different at half-time. The second game, we were right in it at half-time. I thought we dominated field position and dominated them, but 10 minutes after half-time cost us. Once a team like that get two scores in front, it’s going to be difficult bringing it back. We’re looking for an 80-minute performance on Saturday.”
On a personal note, Newman is “over the moon” to play for his country in front of a sell-out home crowd. The centre will replace Jake Wardle in England’s starting line-up and conceded: “I feel pretty emotional, I’ve been in camp three weeks now and to get picked for the last Test, at Headingley, is massive.
“I’ve really enjoyed the camp and the training sessions. Obviously when you’re not playing it’s tough to watch, but I’ve enjoyed getting behind the lads and it has been a brilliant camp. I am looking forward to putting that England shirt on again, it’s the biggest honour you can have as an England player, especially at Headingley - I just can’t wait.”
He added: “I don’t think there's a bigger game you can play as an England player. They are the best team in the world and they’ve got some of the best players in the world. I am excited to put my best foot forward and do my best for the team.”
Of missing out on the opening two Tests, the 25-year-old reflected: “It’s why you have a squad; 24 players got picked and they are all world class. You don’t get picked for England for no reason. Seven players will miss out each week as part of it
“It’s tough when you’re told you’re not playing, but you have to get behind the lads, train your best and prepare them for the game. You have to behave as if you are playing; that has been a challenge for me and I’ve enjoyed that challenge.”