England v Tonga: Harry Newman stars for hosts after 'direct' chats with coach Shaun Wane

Harry Newman has started both of England's Test matches against Tonga

Playing for England in front of his friends and family at his home stadium will be a special moment for Harry Newman - even more so given a month ago his international future appeared over before it had even begun.

Newman made his England debut in the opening match of the Test series against Tonga, receiving his first cap from his father at the team hotel as coach Shaun Wane leaned into the emotion and pride of representing your country.

He retained his place for the second game last week, and the Leeds Rhinos centre looks set for his third appearance on Saturday after being named in the squad for the final Test, as England aim to seal a 3-0 series victory.

The match takes place at Headingley, Rhinos' home ground, marking the latest step on the 23-year-old's redemptive path following a career blighted by injuries and petulance.

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Newman told BBC Radio Leeds: "It's been the most special couple of weeks of my life, especially after everything I've been through, it has taken some time and hard work to get here.

"To play in front of my family, to get my first cap from my dad at the hotel, it's been excellent."

Long marked as a potential England international, Newman's career stalled following a double leg break in 2020, while he has also struggled with a series of hamstring injuries.

Another roadblock to Newman's international ambition was more self-inflicted.

'The chats weren't too brutal'

Asked about the possible selection of Newman a month before the Tonga series, Wane highlighted his perceived on-field petulance as a potential barrier to his inclusion.

Newman was involved in a tunnel bust-up with Leeds team-mate Tom Holroyd following a defeat by Salford in May, while he was sin-binned in a 61-0 loss to Catalans Dragons the same week in which Wane said he was not being considered for England.

"I will not entertain that. He's a real talent, Harry, and it's something he needs to improve on," said Wane at the time. "As a talent and a player he's one of the best. But it's something he needs to get out of his game."

A series of frank face to face chats between player and coach followed, which were enough to convince Wane to call up Newman for the Tonga series.

"They weren't too brutal, but he was very direct with what he wants, and that's what I need as a player," admitted Newman.

"I've come into a new, uncomfortable environment as a player, around players I've never met before but we have bonded."

Newman has impressed in his first two England appearances with his showings at centre for Shaun Wane's side

Newman has slotted immediately into the England XIII, especially excelling in the middle at Huddersfield in the second Test, proving power and control amid dismal weather conditions as the hosts fought to a scrappy 14-4 victory to seal the series.

As a result, when speaking about Newman this week, Wane took an entirely different tone.

"Several people said to me when I got the England job that I'd love him as a player and love working with him, and when I got to meet him and play with him, I understood right away," Wane said.

"He does a lot of unseen things that would only be noticed by his team-mates and coaches. He's an outstanding individual and I rate him highly.

"The way he's changed and begun to behave in a way I wanted him to, has been outstanding to see. Credit to the Rhinos because they'll be getting back a different player who's a lot more accomplished, steady and knows what his job is."

'If you can't get revved up for England, you shouldn't be wearing the shirt'

So Newman looks set to line up against the Tongans once again on Saturday, for what will likely be another hard-fought and close encounter.

Tonga may have lost both matches, but the first Pacific island nation to tour England have been far from overawed.

"Every tackle, every carry you are getting whacked, it's like that for 80 minutes," said Newman of his first taste of international rugby.

"In Super League one team can get on top of the other, but in international rugby it's set for set, it's a challenge.

"The first game I didn't know what to expect, you have to adapt really quickly. I think I've done that, but there's still a lot more I can give."

England will expect to complete a clean series sweep against Tonga, but Newman insists there will be no drop in intensity.

"There's no more motivation than playing for England, he said. "You don't want to lose no matter what. If you can't get revved up for England, you shouldn't be wearing the shirt.

"Waney is relentless, he knows what he wants from us players, that's something we will look to deliver again."

And for Newman, to deliver in front of a home Leeds crowd, given his rocky path to England selection, will mean just a bit more.

"It's massive, To come here in an England shirt is amazing. My family will be here, and a lot of lads from the Leeds squad, it will be special.

"I know the surroundings, it's familiar, I have special memories here, but it's a different game coming here with England."