Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur says Hull FC loan 'best thing that's happened' to in-form Harry Newman
Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur says Harry Newman’s recent loan spell at Hull FC was a turning point in the centre’s career.
Newman played three games for Hull earlier this year after losing his place in Leeds’ team to early-season signing Jack Bird. He returned last month when Bird was ruled out following knee surgery and has impressed in his five games since, scoring six tries in the last four.
The Rhinos academy product - who will join Perth Bears next season on a two-year deal - was left out of England’s World Cup performance squad when it was named last week, but Arthur reckons praised his response to being loaned out. “At the time I told him this will be a turning point in his career and he’ll look back on it and say it was the best thing that’s happened to him,” Arthur said.
“He was probably thinking I was off my head, but sometimes there’s pivotal moments in a player’s career when they have to face a bit of adversity and come out the other side of it. He has done a really good job, he has knuckled down and improved his effort areas.
“His GPS [global positioning system, which tracks players’ movements] in the last three games is through the roof. That shows it’s important to him and it keeps putting pressure on me each week, when these guys keep playing well, with team selection.”
Bird is now fully fit, but Newman retained his place for last Thursday’s 34-6 win at Warrington Wolves. Rhinos face Hull KR at AMT Headingley on Friday in their annual MND Awareness game.