Dirty Leeds

 

Dirty Leeds

"The phrase is widely traced back to 1964, during a notoriously aggressive match between Leeds United and Everton at Goodison Park. The game was so physical that the referee walked off before halftime, players clashed repeatedly, and even the crowd got involved. The Football Association labelled Leeds “Dirty Leeds” because of the team’s on‑pitch conduct, and the name stuck."

I am not trying to liken the Leeds Rhinos to Leeds United of the 1964 vintage, but for a big club, they like to recruit their fair share of "Dickheads". If you think about their current squad and previous years, you might be thinking, who are you talking about? The main protagonist is normally Jake Connor, an odious man who has caused chaos and mayhem wherever he has plied his trade, but in this case I would like to present Exhibit A, Harry James Newman, the manchild from Huddersfield. Google his name, and you will be confronted with a litany of on-field exploits, designed to intimidate and rile up the opposition over the years.He is not a good loser and an even worse winner. Matt Peet a man not known for saying bad things about the opposition. Matt Peet said of Newman, "Some players you’re just not surprised when they’re involved in incidents, are you? I don’t think anyone will be surprised.”He added: “Some players carry on when they win and some don’t. Normally the ones that win often don’t.”

If this is not usual behaviour from Matt Peet, it is even more unusual for your coach highlight your flaws publicly. Arthur described Newman as “immature” when he first arrived at Leeds", but stressed that the “penny has dropped and that the centre has undergone a real transformation in attitude and professionalism." 

Has Harry Newman changed? I am guessing the fact that I am writing about him suggests not. Dispite being picked by Shaun Wane for the final Ashes match at Headingley, I would like to highlight the two Super League matches either side of the International. The Super League Play-off eliminator in which Leeds were defeated in the now famous "Right to Wright", the Sky cameras zoomed in on Newman crying with his mother. Tristan Sailor saught to console him and pat him on the back, Newman's response was to spit "F*&# Off" as Sailor turned away. 

Harry Newman was yellow‑carded in the second half of Leeds’ 26–14 loss to Leigh Leopards. Both he and Leigh’s Matt Davis were sent to the bin after a flare‑up that followed a high‑tackle penalty against Leeds.

• Newman was described as “clearly mystified” as he left the field.

From the reporting, here’s what stands out:

1. Involved in the flare‑up that triggered the cards

The confrontation after the high‑tackle penalty is what led to the double sin‑bin. Newman was one of the central figures in that exchange.

2. Visible frustration

Newman’s reaction — looking baffled and irritated as he left the field — was noted in match reports. This fits the pattern of him being an emotionally charged player, though nothing beyond the flare‑up was reported.

What the report does not highlight was that he was constantly picking a fight with his opposite number Tesi Niu. The Sin-binning was due to Newman letting the confrontations build up to that point.

It looks like this is an overspill from the season before. The report states:

1. Repeated dissent toward the referee

Multiple match reports noted that Newman was visibly frustrated, particularly in the second half. He was spoken to by the referee more than once for:

• Arguing decisions
• Gesturing after calls
• Continuing to complain after being told to move away

This didn’t lead to a card, but it did contribute to the narrative that he needed to control his emotions better.

2. A confrontation with Leigh players

Late in the game, Newman became involved in a minor confrontation after a tackle. It didn’t escalate into anything serious, but it was enough for commentators to remark that he was “boiling over” and needed to calm down.

If this is the more mature Harry Newman, then I for one can't wait for him to join the Perth Bears next season.

The Psychology and Physiology of a Professional Rugby Player

 Do Male Rugby Players have a higher-than-normal level of testosterone?

"Yes, male rugby players are generally believed to have higher testosterone levels compared to the   average male population. This is attributed to the intense physical demands of the sport, which can lead to increased testosterone levels. However, the relationship between testosterone levels and athletic   performance is complex and influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle   choices. While testosterone plays a crucial role in muscle growth and strength, other factors such as   training  techniques,  nutrition,  and stress levels also contribute to athletic performance." FluentRugby 

The player pathways of a young Rugby League player will involve some kind of Further Education from the ages of 16 to 18. In my day players would attend college on day release or undertake A Levels at the local college. At Leigh college, I attended at the same time as Darren Wright (Widnes) and Andy Collier (Leigh), although they were not allowed Rugby for the college on a Wednesday afternoon. Education seemed like an option to keep them busy until they could play Rugby full-time with their respective squad. As with any professional athlete, they need to learn life skills and know the dangers of having highly honed bodies and increased levels of testosterone. People who do bodybuilding, stamina training, coupled with high-impact tackling and ball skills, need to be able to control and direct that increased aggression. 

In Australia, the NRL stars are under intense scrutiny, which is why there are so many stories about drinking, drugs and acts of violence. Many NRL players have escaped the glare of media to find relative refuge in the Super League. The make-up of overseas players as changed in recent years, with a much easier visa restriction on players under 25.  Ben Barba is a good example of someone looking for a fresh start. In 2016 Barba test positive for cocaine and was suspended indefinitely. Barba first joined a Top 14 Rugby union team, and was sacked 4 games later. He moved onto St Helens were he won the Man of Steel award in 2018. By 2019 and back in Australia, Barba was being investigated for alleged assault of his partner. Barba was banned by both NRL and Super League. Barba has a domestic violation allegation from 2013 and in 2019 pleaded guilty to public nuisance after receiving a ban. One absolutely brilliant Rugby player and a completely flawed individual. Should St Helens should have given him the chance is still a question up for debate. Players like Barba need education and guidance, but how far does that go in reality?

Sam Burgess, the Warrington Head Coach was himself involved in a string of misconduct allegations, which included domestic violence claims surrounding his ex-wife Phoebe while she was pregnant and serious allegations that the Souths covered up illegal drug use and failed drugs tests. The case was eventually dropped and Phoebe stated that "She has also called on the NRL to do more to help what she feels is a culture of misogyny.“I look forward to the day the NRL takes action to clean up this game, which has become the punchline of every terrible joke about sexism, violence and cover-ups,” Phoebe added.“This is not the first episode, nor will it be the last, so I ask the NRL not to take a step back when it comes to reforming codes of conduct that allow situations like these to simply disappear.”
There is obviously a problem with Rugby and domestic violence and in Australia, "Voice against Violence" NRL 2024, Voice Against Violence, Alan Tongue, Domestic Violence, Prevention | NRL.com
is working to find solutions. I don't believe that UK has an equivalent organisation.

Domestic violence is not just a problem for players, but is also rife amongst those who watch the sport. In Australia, the State of Origin series puts the Police authorities on high alert. It is not just if your team loses but also when they win. The issue of Sport and alchol often leads to domestic violence. 

In the case of Tesi Nui and his partner Kiana, we know that something has happened, but it has not been reported to the authorities. Apparently they are still together and the Leigh Leopards are working to support both of them. In some respects it is a non-story, but in otherways it shines a light on a very important subject. Can a Rugby League club be impatial when an expensive overseas asset is at stake? Should the RFL be taking the lead an sending in trained professional to assess the situation?

In another example, Salford Red Devils released Joe Burgess due to an unspecified disciplinary matter. Despite being released on disciplinary grounds, the winger was then snapped up by Hull KR. Is it right and fair for one club to make a stance and another have no qualms about signing a player under disciplinary measures?