Rohan Smith gives his verdict on Leeds Rhinos new signings

On Saturday, Leeds Rhinos gave debuts to new signings Sam Lisone from the Gold Coast Titans and Luis Roberts who arrived from Leigh Leopards who he scored against on Saturday, his hometown club no less.

After the game, Rohan Smith gave his verdict on the two:

“Sam was steady I thought, he hasn’t played since September and he was training on his own whist his visa was taking its time.

“He’s got some work to do to get anywhere near his best, I don’t know if he knows his best or has seen it. He’s played well in the NRL and been a good player there.

“But I have really high expectations of where he can get to. Steady hit out today, he was good.

“Roberts was good, the intention was for Fusitu’a to play right centre today. He had an illness yesterday and was probably a bit worse today so big red got a shot at centre and had a test against Leutele.

“He took his try well running last play, he composed himself at the point of content and again against the fullback.”

He also spoke about Roberts’ chances of starting centre in Round One with Harry Newman and Nene MacDonald both doubts against Warrington Wolves:

“No different this evening to this morning, as far as who might play in round one. It was positive to see all four do well. Derrell grew up playing centre, Ash Handley is a good footballer all round, he looked like a centre today and he also looked like a fullback but he is a winger, so that’s a good sign.

“Roberts was good, I see him as a winger and centre going forward. He’s a big kid and good kid.

“Levi Edwards did quite well today.

“Obviously Harry Newman will be one centre, Nene MacDonald is a very accomplished centre but probably has played his best rugby on the wing. Fusitu’a can play at centre as well. We have created good versatility, that’s what I want.

“Who plays round one might be different to Round Two and Round Three.”