Leeds Rhinos centre Harry Newman has confirmed that he played parts of the 2025 season despite having four hernias, with the England international going under the knife after the Ashes series.

Newman was ever-present for the Rhinos in 2025 but he could have easily had reasons not to play as he’s now confirmed that he had double hernias on each side.

After the third and final Ashes Test, hosted at Headingley, Newman underwent an operation to remove what he thought was just three hernias, though the surgeons found a fourth one.

As a result, he’s still in recovery with the centre not yet back in full training, though he is part of Leeds Rhinos’ warm weather training camp in Tenerife.

Speaking to club media as part of their daily diaries from Tenerife, Newman confirmed that he and Ash Handley are still in recovery and working with physios.

On the rest of the group, he said: “They’ve been in for five weeks now and they all look really fit, sharp and raring to go, Lachie Miller especially.

“I’m still working with the physios but I’m itching to get back to full training.”

Leeds Rhinos star Harry Newman explains post-season operation

Asked specifically about his operation post-Ashes, Newman explained: “Last season, me and Ash (Handley) both had pretty similar problems. We both had double hernias on both sides and unfortunately he ended up rupturing his groin.

“The surgeons have gone in, they thought I had three but I actually had four but they’ve stitched them back up and I’m four weeks into my recovery now.

“I’m back running and building up to full speed but I’m really excited to get back out there.”

On the upcoming 2026 season, which will be his last with Leeds Rhinos as he makes the move to Perth Bears in 2027, Newman explained that the club will use how 2025 ended against St Helens as motivation.

He explained: “It’s a massive season for us. We’ve added some quality but we’ve lost some big personalities as well but I’m sure some guys will step up. We’ve got some great leaders in this team and we’ve got to go one step further this year.

“The way that ended last year was gutting but it’s a motivation. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and in my last twelve months, I want to give everything for this club, this shirt, the fans, and number one for the boys I’m stepping out on the field with.”

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