Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur says Harry Newman will play v Wigan Warriors as centre undergoes knee surgery

Newman last played for Leeds in a defeat at Hull FC on March 22. He has since been on loan with Hull, but will be back in Rhinos’ side for the trip to Brick Community Stadium.

Early-season signing Jack Bird, who has started at right-centre in Rhinos’ past five matches, will miss the next two games after undergoing minor knee surgery. Newman’s return will be the first change to Leeds’ 17 in six fixtures.

Speaking at his weekly preview press conference today (Tuesday), Arthur said: “Jack’s knee is a bit grumbly and we’ve opted to give him a quick clean out while we’ve got this two weeks over a month period. We’ve just had a break and we get another in two weeks’ time, so instead of missing four games he will only miss two. Harry will come back into the team and get his opportunity.”

Newman, who will join new NRL club Perth Bears next season, has played in Hull’s last three games and Arthur insisted: “He doesn’t need to do anything different to what his strengths are.

“He doesn’t need to over-play his hand, we just need him to make sure he is nice and busy and brings a heap of energy and urgency around his defence. He has had the luxury and benefit of playing for Hull so that worked out for us. It has kept him match-fit and kept the physicality and contact up.”

Arthur kept a close eye on Newman’s form for Hull and reckons he is in good shape. He said: “It’s hard when you go into a new team and new system and you’re trying to fit in, but I think he has done that quite well.

“The biggest thing is the consistency of playing week-in, week-out, getting your body knocked around a bit. Having a rest here and there is good, one week at a time, but if you start to miss two, three or four weeks in a row your body loses that hardened edge you’ve got.”

Two Leeds players will be in Hull’s squad for their game at Bradford Bulls on Sunday. Prop Jeremiah Mata’utia, who has played twice for the black and whites on one-week loans, has had his stay extended for a month and is joined by Rhinos second-rower Ethan O’Neill on a similar arrangement.

Arthur stressed: “They are Leeds players, we are going to reiterate that. They have gone on a month loan so they can do it properly and review/preview games and get a real good crack at it.

“But we can recall them at any time, after a week, if we need them. The players understand and know that because we don’t want them to feel like they’ve been farmed out from our club. It’s an opportunity to get them some game time. Hull need a back-rower and previously no one did so it has worked out handy for us, but if guys in our team’s form suffers or injuries happen, we can recall them at any time we like.”