Harry Newman is keen to put heartbreak behind him in 2022 – for Leeds and England

HARRY Newman is ready to ease his Grand Final and World Cup heartache by showing he is back at his best, for club and country.

Leeds center was reduced to one spectator seat when Leeds made it to Old Trafford last year with hamstring problems.

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He didn’t even stick around when England suffered heartbreak at their home tournament in the semi-finals – he went on holiday.

Now that he’s nearing full fitness, he’s ready to roar back onto the scene and there’s no stopping him.

Sitting out the April test with France, where Shaun Wane may still be in charge, is also not an option.

Newman, 22, said: “Playing in the big games is what every player wants to do. Missing that home World Cup when it looked like I was involved was upsetting.

“I’ve had a few good conversations with Waney and he liked what I was doing – but when I get back out there I know the potential I have. Playing well is not something I worry about.

“And the France game will not be too early. As soon as I’m back, I’ll be back. I raise my hand for an England shirt.

“There is no better feeling than going out on a match day. It’s something I’ve missed, and sometimes it really pisses you off.

“It’s been a tough couple of years – a broken leg followed by some hamstring surgery – but now it’s feeling really good.

“I’ve probably been guilty of rushing a few things in the past, but the main thing now is, once I’m back out there, I’m staying out there.

“Last year I wanted to be back for the Catalans for the Super League quarter-finals – if I had waited a few weeks I probably would have played in a Grand Final.

“It’s hard, especially at 22, to hold back. I didn’t and missed playing in a Grand Final and possibly a World Championship.

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“It was bitter for me because I knew that I would have brought a lot to both events.”

Newman’s journey back to fitness has also seen him adjust the way he prepares his body for action – and the results should be seen next season.

He added: “Now we have Dave O’Sullivan who has worked with England RU and Leicester Tigers. He was great with me and a few others.

“He puts a lot of emphasis on things like getting ready to run and not just warming up the team. These are exercises that would make no sense to a normal person. You would probably think, “What are you doing?”

“But they seem to be working at the moment and the body is feeling good.

“As of 2020, it’s not easy sailing, but you’re lucky to get through in a sport like this without having a difficult time.”