Reports down under claim Leeds Rhinos star unhappy and wants NRL move

On Saturday, Leeds Rhinos were forced into a late change against Leigh Leopards.

In a surprise twist, winger David Fusitu’a was set to play centre – a role he has played in the past in the NRL.

However, he dropped out of the line up with young centre Levi Edwards instead coming into the starting 13 and young Alfie Edgell coming onto the bench after both impressed on Boxing Day against Wakefield Trinity.

Fusitu’a may have missed out but his former teammate in the NRL debuts for the Rhinos today in the shape of Sam Lisone.

Fusitu’a was reportedly key to Lisone joining the club which makes the reports from down under such a surprise.

The Mole of Wide World of Sports has claimed that Fusitu’a is unhappy at Leeds and wants another crack at the NRL if the Rhinos are willing to let him go.

The winger has one year left on his deal at Headingley and the Rhinos have several wingers now contracted to the club.

There is of course star Ash Handley, new recruits Derrell Olpherts and Luis Roberts. Liam Tindall is also an option as is new centre Nene MacDonald with Rohan Smith saying he has played his best rugby on the wing despite wearing the number four shirt in 2023.

Thus, it wouldn’t be such a problem for Leeds but it seems unlikely with Fusitu’a helping convince Lisone to come to the club for 2023 in the first place.

He may have only made 14 appearances in 2022 but they were standout ones for the most part.

It remains to be seen what happens.