Rohan Smith says star is “committed to Leeds” despite rumours of shock exit

Last week there was speculation that one of Leeds Rhinos’ star signings could leave the club less than six months after he joined the club.

This is of course Sam Lisone and the speculation all started when it was announced that his partner Georgia Hale, a huge winter signing for the Rhinos women’s team, would be returning to Australia to play for Gold Coast Titans.

That said, as she bid farewell to Leeds, she told the Rhinos website that Lisone sees his future at the club.

She said:

“I think sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture of life in general and to get to back near family and home comforts it just happens that the NRLW is the pull to get there, but I will be back at Leeds.  My partner Sam Lisone is here and sees his future at the club and I am so in support of that.  I really want to return and keep building my personal relationship with the club, but it’s just a personal endeavour that I really do want to chase in Australia.”

Hence Lisone looks to be seeing out his contract at Leeds despite the fact his partner is headed home.

However, the Mole of Wide World of Sports expects Lisone to follow Hale back to the Titans in 2024.

He said:

“Don’t be surprised if tough forward Sam Lisone returns to the Titans from Super League club Leeds in 2024.

“Down the track, after six months apart from his beloved, don’t be surprised if the landscape changes.”

Now Rohan Smith has addressed these rumours.

“Sam is committed to Leeds,” Smith said, “nothing has changed there.”

“Georgia has a great opportunity to play in a growing competition that is the premier comp. That is as far as I know and I know Sam committed to his long term future here at the Rhinos.”

He then gave his assessment of Lisone’s form.

“I think his form has been steady for a good period and he has had an impact and contributed to a middle unit that has been solid but we are looking for a bit more from that middle unit moving forward and there is another big opportunity to do that this weekend.”