England centre Harry Newman had pledged to win a major trophy before leaving Leeds Rhinos at the end of next season.

Rhinos today (Monday) confirmed the 2026 campaign will be Newman's last with the club. He is set to join new NRL outfit Perth Bears when his contract expires in 11 months’ time. Newman, 25, came through Rhinos’ system to make his debut in 2017. He has scored 45 tries in 129 appearances and was ever present this year.

Newman was up front about his desire to play in Australia and the Yorkshire Evening Post understands there were no formal talks with Leeds about a new deal. Newman said: “This has been a tough decision for me, but one I feel I needed to make at this stage of my career. Now the decision has been made I can move on with this season and finishing my time at the Rhinos in the best possible way with a big season in 2026 and helping bring silverware back to AMT Headingley.”

Harry Newman scores for Leeds Rhinos against Wakefield Trinity last season. Picture by Steve Riding.

Coach Brad Arthur added: “Harry had a strong season last year and I know he took a great deal of satisfaction from being an ever-present. I am sure he will want to build on that during pre-season and have an even better year in 2026.

“Unfortunately, the nature of professional sport is these things happen and sometimes the timing can be hard for people to understand when there is so long to go before the move will take place. However, both ourselves and Harry know the situation and can move on now to make sure everyone has the best possible season next year.”

Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease is in Australia on a recruitment mission for 2027. A replacement centre is likely to be one of his priorities, though youngsters Max Simpson and Ned McCormack provide home-grown options. “Having spoken to Harry and his agent early this year, they stated to me they were looking at Harry's options in the NRL for 2027 and beyond,” Blease said.

“As a club, we have a proud record of developing our young talent and giving them the opportunity to play at the highest level, as Harry did this year with England. It is disappointing to be losing Harry for 2027, for both the Rhinos and the Super League competition, but his departure allows us to look at other options for the squad going forward, including rewarding the next generation of young stars.

Harry Newman will leave Leeds Rhinos at the end of next season. Picture by Tony Johnson.

“I am sure Harry will want to finish his time at Leeds on the best possible note this season and has reiterated to myself and Brad that he remains totally committed to the Rhinos cause this coming season.”