Leeds Rhinos Richard Agar outlines extent of Harry Newman's horror injury

The England Knights centre shrieked out in agony after going in to make a tackle in the 31st minute of Leeds’ 41-16 success.

He needed lengthy on-field treatment and was taken by ambulance to hospital with a suspected fractured tibia and fibula.

Agar said: “He’s definitely broken his leg. Tibia and fibula, we think.

“There was a fear he’d broken his hip as well but they’re saying that that settled down in the ambulance.

“He’s on his way for X-rays and I guess it will depend on those to tell us how they operate and what the next step is, whether screws and plates or a pot on.

“It’s very difficult to say how long but it will be about a three to six month job.”

Newman’s cries of anguish could be heard across the empty Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Agar added: “You could hear his shrieks so we knew.

“We love him to bits. The world's at his feet and he’s got selection in the England squad this year so it’s a huge blow for him.

“But we’re right there with him and we’ll do the utmost to keep his spirits high and get him the best possible care in a tough time.

“It was typical Harry, though; coming off on the stretcher he gave us the old thumbs up to us in the stands.

“He’s a great rugby league player and a great kid.”

Rhinos secured a fourth straight win and Hull KR boss Tony Smith thought they played even better than when beating his side 48-18 in the Challenge Cup last Friday.

Asked if he agreed, Agar said: “No! I thought it was a mixed bag for us. “We defended our goalline well but they are a team that can create problems with their offload game.

“We didn't do a good enough job on that; if we’re comparing both performances we were not as good in that area.

“We created 14 line breaks and scored seven tries so we’re a bit disappointed it was not a bigger gap than 24-6 at half-time.

“We squandered some tries.”

Rovers made 11 changes and gave a debut tio 18 year-old full-back Will Tate who showed some smart touches.

They fall back to bottom but Smith said: “A lot of these guys needed a chance to have a crack as some have been training a very, very long time with no game - and no reserve grade - to get ready.

“There was no other way than to throw them in. I thought Will was good. It wasn’t a perfect start for the kid but he enhanced his reputation.

“He showed some real maturity at different stages and some real pieces of class. The only disappointment for Will is his parents weren’t allowed to be here to see his first ever game which is a real shame. The sooner we can get crowds back in the better.”