Harry Newman confirms Leeds Rhinos contract call ahead of expected NRL move
Harry Newman has vowed to give everything in his final season at Leeds Rhinos after deciding not to renew his contract.
The England centre is expected to join new NRL franchise Perth Bears ahead of their inaugural 2027 campaign.
A product of Leeds' academy system, Newman has scored 45 tries in 129 games since his first-team debut in 2017.
The 25-year-old was an ever-present last season and capped the year by representing England in the Ashes.
"This has been a tough decision for me but one I feel I needed to make at this stage of my career," said Newman.
"Now the decision has been made, I can move on with this season and finishing my time at the Rhinos in the best possible way with a big season in 2026 and helping bring silverware back to AMT Headingley."
Injuries have been a recurring theme in Newman's time at Headingley, forcing him to miss the club's 2020 Challenge Cup success and the 2022 Grand Final.
However, he has put those setbacks behind him in recent seasons, culminating in an uninterrupted 2025.
Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease is philosophical about the loss of a key member of Brad Arthur's squad.
"Having spoken to Harry and his agent early this year, they stated to me that they were looking at Harry's options in the NRL for 2027 and beyond," said Blease.
"As a club, we have a proud record of developing our young talent and giving them the opportunity to play at the highest level, as Harry did this year with England.
"It's disappointing to be losing Harry, for both the Rhinos and the Super League competition, but his departure allows us to look at other options for the squad going forward, including rewarding the next generation of young stars.
"I am sure Harry will want to finish his time at Leeds on the best possible note this season and has reiterated to myself and Brad that he remains totally committed to the Rhinos' cause this coming season."
Arthur is hopeful that Newman's early decision will benefit Leeds in 2026.
"Harry had a strong season last year and I know he took a great deal of satisfaction from being an ever-present," said the Rhinos boss.
"I'm sure he will want to build on that during pre-season and have an even better year in 2026. Unfortunately, the nature of professional sport is that these things happen and sometimes the timing can be hard for people to understand when there is so long to go before the move will take place.
"However, both ourselves and Harry know the situation and can move on now to make sure everyone has the best possible season next year."