Newman said the former West Coast captain is "feeling OK" and at this stage should line up against the Blues.
"I've spoken to him over the course of the week and he seemed like he was a little bit flat and obviously in a little bit of pain," Newman said from the AFL captains' day at Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
"I'm not sure of what the official diagnosis was, but all I know is that he trained this morning and trained really well and he was upbeat. He's like he's back to his normal self.
"I'd expect him to [play]. We'll have to see how he pulls up, but certainly by this morning's standards I think he's ready to go … hopefully he's right to go."
On Tuesday, it was reported that Richmond had spoken to Cousins about a binge drinking problem. But Newman said innuendo surrounding Cousins and that story was false.
"I think he's used to that stuff, but we're obviously there for him and we were obviously just really surprised with the article, but that's just what happens sometimes," Newman said.
"We know the truth internally."
Newman said rumours of an impending book release by Cousins hadn't distracted the players.
"I haven't thought about the book for one second, so I doubt any of the other boys have," he said.
Now entering his second season as Richmond captain, Newman conceded 2009 was a tough year to debut as skipper. But he believes it taught him plenty as well.
"There were times when it was tough - there's no doubt about that and I went through some of the most challenging times of my life last year," he said.
"I think I was really lucky to be at a club that was so supportive in that time and I've probably got some guys that I can refer back to and some past captains I can reflect on.
"It was a difficult time, but one that I don't regret."
One change from this time last year is the build up to round one, when the Cousins and Chris Judd clash was whipped up by the media. The end result was also shattering for the Tigers, after the Blues thrashed them by 83 points.
"It's a little bit different," Newman said of the lead up to this year's season opener.
"Obviously there was huge expectation on us last year in the first round and obviously the Ben Cousins factor, so it's a different feeling.
"We're going into the game a little bit quieter this time."
Chris Newman is a $349,800 defender in this year's Toyota AFL Dream Team competition.
Ben Cousins is a $352,100 midfielder.
