England World Cup hopeful Harry Newman included in Leeds’ squad to face Catalans
England World Cup hopeful Harry Newman has been included in Leeds’ 21-man squad to face Catalans this Friday in the play-off eliminators.
Newman, 22, suffered a hamstring injury last month in the victory over Hull KR. However, the club have said they have included the star centre to ‘give him as much time as possible to be declared fit for this must win game’.
Winger Ash Handley is ruled out with the foot injury he sustained in Saturday’s win over Castleford. Rhyse Martin will also begin to serve his two-match ban.
Leeds boss on Harry Newman potential return
Head coach Rohan Smith said: “The progress, diligence and the expertise that has gone into his rehab has accelerated the process to the point where there is some chance of Harry Newman playing on Friday.
“Some chance is all it is this week. Last week he was no chance, and this week he is some.”
Handley looks set to be sidelined for a few weeks with his injured food. However, Smith revealed he could return for the Grand Final if Leeds were to be successful in the play-offs.
It also means the winger could be available for selection for England boss Shaun Wane, alongside Newman, if fit.
Meanwhile, Sam Tomkins and Mike McMeeken are set to return for Catalans. The pair have been named in Steve McNamara’s squad for Friday’s televised match in Perpignan.
Leeds: Newman, Sutcliffe, Austin, Sezer, Oledzki, Leeming, Prior, Bentley, Tetevano, Dwyer, Myler, Smith, Briscoe, Gannon, Walters, O’Connor, Donaldson, Johnson, Mustapha, Tindall, Hardaker.
Catalans: Mourgue, Davies, Langi, Whare, Yaha, Pearce, Drinkwater, Dudson, McIlorum, McMeeken, Garcia, Da Costa, Seguier, Goudemand, Romano, May, Napa, J.Chan, Kasiano, Tomkins, T.Chan.
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