Leeds Rhinos news: forward loaned to Hull FC as Harry Newman back in contention for Wigan Warriors clash
England centre Harry Newman is staying with Leeds Rhinos this week, but a teammate has taken his place on loan at Hull FC.
Newman hasn’t played for Leeds since their 24-16 defeat at Hull on March 22. After featuring in the Black and Whites’ last three games, each on a week-to-week deal, he will remain with Rhinos in the build-up to Friday’s huge Betfred Super League four-pointer at Wigan Warriors.
Rhinos have fielded the same 17 players in their last five games, all of which they’ve won. That is a record since the number of substitutes was doubled to four in 1996. Only three of the 29 players with a squad number are on Leeds’ casualty list, so the club have arranged a series of loan deals to ensure as many as possible get game time at the top level.
Second-rower Ethan O’Neill has now joined Hull on a month-long arrangement and will be in contention for their game at Bradford Bulls on Sunday. Rhinos have a recall option after the first week. O’Neill moved to Rhinos in pre-season on a three-year contract and has made four appearances so far, the most recent being in a 22-4 win against Castleford Tigers at AMT Headingley two months ago.
Leeds have been trying to arrange a loan deal for the former Leigh Leopards man and Hull are now in need of a back-rower after Connor Bailey suffered a broken collarbone in the home loss to Toulouse Olympique two weeks ago, joining Jed Cartwright (hamstring) on the injury roster.
Rhinos prop Jeremiah Mata’utia is set to make his third appearance for Hull this weekend after also signing on a month-long loan with a recall option after seven days. Another off-season recruit, the most recent of his two Leeds appearances was also against Castleford. He was previously with Hull on week-long loans.