Departing Leeds Rhinos prop Sam Lisone has said his decision to leave AMT Headingley “wasn’t difficult at all” considering the Rhinos never actually offered him a formal contract.
Lisone will head to Hull FC in 2026, after signing a two-year deal to join the Black and Whites.
His performances over the last two months have been impressive, and had become a crowd favourite before the move to FC was announced.
Speaking to the Forty20 podcast, Lisone said he only ever had one option to go for in regards to a deal next year.
On moving away from Leeds, he said: “It wasn’t difficult at all if I’m being honest. Hull was the only contract I had. It’s pretty easy when you only have one contract.”
He added: “Ideally I wanted to stay at Leeds for one year, but it wasn’t meant to be. I didn’t have a contract.”
The 31-year-old says he is looking forward to his next venture, where he will link up with childhood friend and teammate Herman Ese’ese
“I’ve got a good opportunity up at Hull, and I had a chat with John Cartwright and Richie Myler so yeah I’m excited.”
Leeds Rhinos prop to add to growing Hull FC pack
Lisone is one of many signings already completed by the Airlie Birds for 2026, however he is the only one confirmed by the club.
James Bell and Joe Batchelor are both expected to join from St Helens, whilst other reports have stated that Connor Bailey will join from Championship table toppers York Knights. Meanwhile, Harvie Hill will join from Wigan Warriors.
Liam Knight, who is set to sign a contract extension per Hull Live, will pair Ese’ese as starters, with Lisone coming off the bench like he does at the Rhinos.
For the remainder of this season though, Lisone will need to keep up his recent form, as well as take on more minutes on the field. Leeds are currently without Mikolaj Oledzki and Tom Holroyd due to injury, meaning the former Samoa international will have to step up as a senior prop in the group.
The Rhinos face Salford Red Devils on Friday night and will give a debut to teenage starlet Presley Cassell from the bench.
He will play loose forward when he comes on, freeing up Keenan Palasia to pair with Cooper Jenkins in the front row. James Bentley is also expected to be used as a middle unit in place of the injured Holroyd.
