Power-packed prop Sam Lisone is in no hurry for a decision on his Leeds Rhinos future.
Lisone has scored six tries in 48 games since joining Leeds from NRL side Gold Coast Titans two years ago and is entering the final year of his contract.
The New Zealand-born forward, used mainly as an impact substitute, has been a big hit among Rhinos’ fans, but – with partner Georgia Hale playing for Gold Coast in Australia’s National Rugby League Women’s competition (NRLW) – he admitted staying in England isn’t a straightforward decision.
“I am happy here, I am happy with whatever happens. I have had a good run, a good career,” Lisone said.
“I would love to stay, I love the club, I love playing here and I love the fans, but I have got to weigh up a lot of things.
“I love the Rhinos, but I have got a partner back home and it is hard living away, so I’ll see what happens.”
At 30, Lisone is Rhinos’ most experienced forward and the six foot (1.84 metres) tall, 17.5 stone (110kg) front-rower was one of the few really big men in their ranks last year.
After two long-term concussions restricted Tom Holroyd to just six games, Rhinos were down to the bare bones in their front-row at times, which is a problem he reckons the club’s management have solved during the off-season.
Samoan international Keenan Palasia was signed from Lisone’s former club Gold Coast and Leeds overcame interest from NRL clubs for Cooper Jenkins who was with Norths Devils in 2024.
In addition, Holroyd played in both pre-season games and Lisone reckons Leeds’ pack is in much better shape this year.
“We needed help,” Lisone admitted. “There was only me, Mik [Oledzki] and Justin [Sangare, now at Salford] available last year and we had Bentos [James Bentley] playing front-row.
“We missed Tom and to see him fit is really pleasing. It will be a big year for him and we’ve got Cooper who is keen to test himself. He is a big body and that’s exciting.
“Keenan’s someone I’ve played against a couple of times in the NRL and I reckon he will be a really good addition. He is a good player.”
Lisone is also firing on all cylinders, having played in Leeds Rhinos’ warm-up wins against Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors.
“Pre-season has been tough, enjoyable though,” he said. “This time last year I was in a cast with my broken thumb so I am pretty excited to be healthy and among the boys.
“I am excited about the year. We’ve had a full season under Brad [Arthur, Rhinos’ coach] and he has really lifted the standards of the club, we’ve got some good signings and I am really excited to get out there with the boys.”
As to whether Rhinos can challenge for silverware in 2025, Lisone stressed: “That’s the goal, but we’ve just got to take it as it comes, build combinations and get to know each other’s games and then go from there.”
