I don't get this at all. Newman's biggest strength is his ability to create a gap and go between two players. He's 100% a centre.
He has weaknesses in his game, of course - he needs to work on his defence and his interaction with his wing - but his balance and eye for a gap make him potential star quality at centre (remember he's still only 19).

I'd go with that assessment too.

Agreed!

I'm on the fence with this one. Actually I think Jack Broadbent could be a better centre than Newman.

Newman reminds me a little bit of Karl Pratt, in that he's very steppy and evasive, but maybe not outright quick enough.

We do lack pace on the flanks and I'm not sure Newman solves that- but he would score tries. He is a bit greedy and I'm not sure how good his pass is to release the winger - maybe being on the end of things could suit his game better.
Still very young and loads of development in him - I do think we're better with him on the field.

I've really enjoyed watching the Leeds academy over the past couple of seasons, can't wait to see them start to develop into first grade. This is a very young team Leeds are growing here and we need to be patient with them. The Goldens took a few years to settle and perform as well.

Very good post and agree with most of what you say. I’m not saying Newman is no good in the centre but he does need to learn how to pass and when to pass to his winger.
I think if we were to sign a good pacy and strong centre then Newman would learn from him.
Just my opinion and I am sure people will have their own which I will respect.

Newman is quick enough for centre.The little I've seen of Broadbent I thought he lacked pace.Also how tall is he because the Leeds hand book has him down only 5ft 8?

No Broadbent is a 6 footer. Good centre too.

Is he quick?

Not winger-quick (probably similar to Newman on the gallop), but he is a more complete centre in his skill set IMO. Newman is an explosive athlete with great footwork; different animals.

Broadbent is younger than Newman (only just turned 18 I believe) and understandably looks less like the fully finished article physically than Newman. The only vacancy for him at Fev last season was on the wing, which again isn't his position, and with Hardcastle, Minns (when fit), Worthington and maybe Alex Sutcliffe competing for centre spots at Fev, it wouldn't surprise me if Broadbent ended up on loan somewhere like Bradford, or back at Batley, assuming he has recovered from injury, having broken his jaw playing for Batley against Fev in September.

I’d have him in the reserves at Leeds, we are going to need some players to make a side.

He has some real quality about him does Broadbent, I’m hoping he progresses. So hard to call it even at 18/19.

I think what Newman does have is an absolute will to succeed. I can see him making progress and causing lots of problems for opposition when he fills out a bit.

Wakefields 19 man squad.

Ashurst, Atkins, Croft, Crowther Green, Gwaze, Hampshire, Jowitt, Kershaw, King, Kirmond, Lyne, Miller, Pitts, Tangata, Tanginoa, Walker, J Wood, K Wood.

Struth, we should put 50 on that team!

Don’t reckon much to Ashurst at Fullback...

Leeming on crutches not thought to be serious and Mellor injured in training and will miss out.
Muzzi not fit enough to play.
Johnson to start with Alex Sutcliffe in the SR
Albert and I think Broadbent brought into the squad.