Two of Leeds Rhinos' top stars had to be separated following a heated bust-up in the aftermath of their defeat to Salford Red Devils. Rugby League Live can reveal Harry Newman and Tom Holroyd had to be pulled apart after squaring up with one another in the tunnel following the Rhinos' defeat on Friday.
The incident was seen by numerous witnesses as the two teams left the field at Headingley, a game that saw Salford prevail 22-12. All accounts of the incident claim that the pair were seen arguing in the tunnel area and eventually found themselves nose to nose.
A member of Leeds' backroom staff eventually de-escalated the situation before the incident became physical. All witnesses of the event have told Rugby League Live that no punches were thrown but that the incident was 'extremely hostile' between the pair. It is claimed the two did shove one another as the argument took place.
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It came just minutes after the Rhinos had lost in an error-strewn performance. The reverse was Leeds' sixth loss of the season and leaves them eighth on the Super League table.
One eye-witness said: "It had started on the pitch as they were giving it each other then. In the tunnel they were face to face, there were no punches but they had been shoving one another down the corridor and it became a very heated conversation quick. They had to be pulled apart in the end."
The pair, who are both a part of Shaun Wane's England squad, were among Leeds' better performers on a frustrating night. Newman was the Rhinos' top metre maker after carrying for 145 metres while he also produced five offloads. Meanwhile, Holroyd had made an impact after being introduced to the bench, with Leeds starting to gain the ascendency after his arrival. He ended the game with 27 tackles. Both made one error.
Rugby League Live approached Leeds Rhinos for comment Saturday lunchtime but have yet to respond.
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