Newby has been a leader missing in action since it was determined he needed foot surgery just before the Super 14 season started.
He has been a frustrated spectator, both because of his rehabilitation and the fact he has had to watch his teammates slip to three consecutive narrow losses, but he is ready to contribute on the field.
‘‘I'm not sure in what capacity, whether it's off the bench or starting,'' Newby told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
‘‘I'm really not sure if I'm up to 80min. I need to have a talk to Glenn [Moore] and see what he wants me to do.''
Newby played for the Toko club in a couple of 10s games in Milton on Saturday to test out his aerobic fitness and his tender foot.
‘‘The lungs weren't too bad but they're definitely not at Super 14 level. The first 15min or 20min would probably see the end of me.
‘‘The foot is really good. I've been running around and it's only come up a little bit stiff. It's not sore, and I wouldn't make myself available if it was.''
Newby has been impressed with the Highlanders' loose forwards in his absence, particularly the efforts of first-year players Adam Thomson and Steven Setephano.
He had no doubts the Highlanders would soon translate promise into points.
‘‘There's just a few things that are not going our way.
‘‘There's a lot of enthusiasm, which sometimes when it comes with inexperience creates mistakes. And we can't afford to make those mistakes.
‘‘Jimmy Cowan spoke to us all after the Waratahs game just to stress that we're not far away and that we have to keep our heads up.
‘‘Obviously we're all very disappointed to be where we are. But we could have had three wins. There's 10 games to go and we won't be throwing in the towel.
‘‘I know the new guys are loving being in this environment and I don't think three close losses will dampen their spirits.''
Newby watched every ball of Otago's dramatic State Shield win against Auckland on Sunday and said the Highlanders were delighted to see the Volts break a 20-year drought.
‘‘That's got to give us some confidence that good things can happen in the deep south.
‘‘They deserve everyone's support. I know I speak for all the Highlanders when I say we're pretty proud of them.
‘‘We all love our cricket and I think most of us wish we were better players.''
The Highlanders were watched yesterday by All Black coach Graham Henry, on one of his regular visits to the franchise.