What Leeds Rhinos’ latest signing could mean for Women’s Super League

It feels strange to say that a major men’s signing could have a big impact on women’s rugby league, but the business done by Leeds Rhinos could lead to a major development in the women’s Super League.

The Rhinos today secured the signing of Sam Lisone from Gold Coast on a two-year deal which has long been rumoured.

However, as part of the rumour, it was suggested that Georgia Hale, Lisone’s partner, would follow him to Leeds and join the women’s side at Headingley.

This is because she is one of the stars of the New Zealand women’s side and is set to play at Headingley soon in the World Cup.

It sounds like she could indeed join the Rhinos with Lisone confirming she will have a look round but her future is up to her.

He said: “Georgia is over in the next few weeks for the World Cup and I know she is going to come to Headingley to have a look around. I’ll leave her future up to her but it is great to know that the Rhinos are serious about their men’s and women’s teams, as that is important to us.”

A signing of her calibre would really be the first in the women’s Super League and would perhaps kick the competition up a few notches.

This can only be good for the women’s game in England as they try to follow in the footsteps of the truly impressive standards set down under.