Leeds Rhinos coach Brad Arthur talks Harry Newman loan deal, confirms option to continue at Hull FC

Hull could keep Newman for a second week if Arthur decides not to select him for Friday’s visit of Catalans Dragons. Hull are in action the same evening, away to Castleford Tigers.

Newman played in Rhinos’ opening seven games this season before losing his place to early-season signing Jack Bird. The Australian has started at right-centre in Leeds’ past three games and scored a try in each.

He can play other positions, including in the halves and back-row, but Rhinos came through last week’s win at Huddersfield Giants with no major new injury concerns and could be unchanged for Friday’s match.

Newman had a strong debut for Hull in their loss to St Helens last Thursday, despite suffering a blooded nose. They have had a change of coach since then with John Cartwright leaving the role and Andy Last - who has worked with Newman in the England camp - taking over for the rest of this season.

Arthur kept a close eye on Newman’s Hull debut and said: “He was good. It was tough, he only got to do a captain’s run, but he carried the ball strong, he defended well and he was probably one of their better players. That’s exactly what we need from him. He has had the right attitude about it, he is going to knuckle down and fight hard and put pressure on me.”

Whether Newman remains at Hull this week depends on the East Yorkshire club and if Arthur decides to recall him for Rhinos. The Leeds boss insists he remains in his plans this year, but admitted: “It is hard to make changes at this stage, but we’ll go through the normal process we do. If he is not in the team, Harry and I have already had the conversation that he wants to continue to play and I will continue to support that because he wants to push for a spot.

“There is an option [for him to continue his loan], but it’s up to Hull too and I’ve not ruled him out of selection for this week yet.”