Leeds Rhinos have reportedly been struck with a decisive blow ahead of the new Super League season.
The Rhinos are set to begin the campaign against Salford Red Devils which will give a chance to the likes of Brodie Croft, Andy Ackers and Nene MacDonald to debut against their former clubs.
The Rhinos will likely enter the game as favourites but their chances of winning have been hurt by the loss of a key player as per the Yorkshire Evening Post.
They report that prop Sam Lisone will miss the opening Super League game due to a broken thumb sustained recently which will leave Leeds’ pack under stress.
Lisone joined the Rhinos ahead of last season linking up with good friend David Fusitu’a before agreeing a new deal mid-way through last season after emerging as something akin to a cult hero among Leeds supporters. He even scored a hat-trick against Hull FC late last season.
Leeds Rhinos prop problem
Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – 02/09/2023 – Rugby League – Betfred Super League Round 24 – Hull FC v Leeds Rhinos – MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull, England – Leeds s Sam Lisone celebrates victory over Hull FC with James Donaldson.. Kingston upon Hull MKM Stadium England Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2278-0065
Many believe Leeds are a prop short as the new season nears in 2024. The Rhinos had options at the start of last year with Mikolaj Oledzki, Zane Tetevano, Sam Lisone, Justin Sangare, Tom Holroyd and Sam Walters all options down the middle of the park.
In the end, this proved problematic as the lack of game time for Sam Walters prompted him to explore his options elsewhere resulting in a move to Wigan Warriors. The Rhinos have of course also lost Zane Tetevano who was released after suffering a stroke so he could return home.
The Rhinos have drafted in the likes of Mickael Goudemand and Kieran Hudson. Goudemand is a very versatile forward and can feature almost anywhere in the pack whilst Hudson has bags of potential but returning from an ACL injury could mean it takes him time before he is ready to feature.
Now the blow to Lisone adds further strain to the Rhinos’ middle units and could see Tom Nicholas-Watton feature. An impressive youngster, he scored on Boxing Day against Wakefield Trinity and made several breaks in the game. He also made his Super League debut at the end of 2023 against Castleford Tigers at home.
