Leeds Rhinos

Brad Arthur drops hint on Sam Lisone’s Leeds Rhinos future after Castleford Tigers impact

by
Peter Smith
May 25, 2025

A Leeds Rhinos overseas forward could be playing his way into a new contract. Auckland-born former Samoa international Sam Lisone was a one-man wrecking crew in the 29-6 win at Castleford Tigers which lifted Rhinos into third on the Super League table.

Lisone, who came off the bench to score a try in each half, is out of contract at the end of this season and is expected to return to Australia, having joined Rhinos from Gold Coast Titans ahead of the 2023 campaign.

But speaking in his press conference after Saturday’s game, coach Brad Arthur said Lisone is on course to become the best impact player in the competition – and hinted he could be in for a longer stay at Leeds,

“I don’t know what the situation exactly is, but Bleasey [sporting director Ian Blease] is working at it,” Arthur said.

“We have worked really hard to put together this team and I still think their best footy is a long time further down the track.

“We certainly want to keep most of them together. It’s not easy, but Bleasey is working hard at it and I think the club has done a really good job. Sam has got something to offer.”

Brad Arthur hails Leeds Rhinos’ Sam Lisone

Tigers lost big forward Tom Amone to a head injury early on after he was hurt trying to tackle Lisone and Muizz Mustapha suffered a similar setback in the final moments.

“He was really good,” Arthur said of the substitute prop’s performance. “The last month, he has been good.

“There’s no point bringing him on and then us making mistakes and spending the next three sets defending, which is what we did last week.

“He has got a very damaging carry so we need to keep the ball in his hands and we did that today.

“Sam has worked really hard on his weight. We challenged him on that and him keeping himself there and he is doing it. He said himself he wanted to be the best impact player in the game and he is getting there.”