England star Harry Newman has message for Samoa after feisty first meeting

Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman shone in England's 34-18 win over Samoa in Wigan last weekend and is looking to wrap the series up when the two sides meet again on Saturday

Harry Newman is ready to go head to head – quite literally – with Samoa on his home ground of Headingley on Saturday as England bid to wrap up a series win.

The Leeds Rhinos centre enjoyed a fine game last week as Shaun Wane’s men triumphed 34-18 in Wigan to open the series in style.

There was a pre-match flashpoint when Hull KR’s Mikey Lewis and Gordon Chan Kum Tong clashed heads during the Samoa’s equivalent of the Haka, the Siva Tau.

The game also ended in a huge melee involving all 26 players and 24-year-old Newman said: “It’s pretty cool to face the Siva Tau – especially that close up – and it gets you pumped up to play.

“I enjoyed the whole experience because you don’t know when you might get that opportunity again. When the first whistle sounds, you’re ready to go and the game obviously ended pretty feistily so it should be another good scrap this weekend.

“Samoa won’t want to leave England without winning a game but we’re determined to make it 2-0 and clinch the series.”

Newman has been dogged by some serious injury setbacks during his career but made his senior England debut during last year’s 3-0 home series win over Tonga.

Last week saw him play with Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth, who has proved a huge success in the NRL.

Newman added: “Herbie was unbelievable last week and was named NRL Centre of the Year this season so it’s been exciting to play with him. I’m the same age as Herbie and we actually played together for England Under-16s, so it’s nice to meet up with him again at senior level.

“Our careers have come full circle together; we spoke about it this week and there is actually a photo of us when I’ve got a shaved head when I was 15! Hopefully I’m selected to play again this weekend because pulling on an England shirt at Headingley is extra special.”

Highly-rated Newman has previously been courted by Premiership rugby union clubs and been linked with a move to the NRL. But he signed a contract extension at Leeds earlier this year and is already gearing up for a big 2025 with Brad Arthur’s new-look side.

Newman said: “I’ve had interest from the NRL when I’ve been off-contract but never pursued it. I love it at Leeds – I’ve been here since I was 14 – and they’ve stood by me through some big injuries.

“I want to repay them, so 2025 will be a big year for me personally but also the team as well.”