Leeds Rhinos issue Sam Lisone update after behind the scenes conversations

Leeds Rhinos are hopeful of keeping super-sub Sam Lisone, despite interest from Hull FC.

The former Samoan international is out of contract at the end of the season and has been in talks with the Rhinos about a new deal. Lisone, who joined the Rhinos from the Gold Coast Titans for the 2023 season, told the Yorkshire Evening Post last month that he is considering returning to Australia, where his partner, Georgia Hale, competes in the NRL Women’s tournament.

But he also stated, “I love it here, there’s no other team I’d want to play for, to be honest.” However, Love Rugby League and Hull Live announced this week that Hull FC is one of several teams interested in signing Lisone, particularly if the Betfred Super League’s overseas quota is raised, as predicted, beginning next season. This season, the 31-year-old has been a constant presence for the Rhinos and has been in excellent form recently. Rhinos sporting director Ian Blease confirmed: “We talked with him a couple of weeks ago and said we’d try to work something out, but a few things have to fall into place on the pay cap.

He told me a couple of weeks ago that he wants to stay and play in Vegas for another year, so that’s what we’re trying to arrange. “If he has received offers, it would not surprise me; he is permitted to do so, but I am not aware of any. “Sam will make the right decision for himself.”

Ian Blease gives Leeds Rhinos contract update

Lisone and Australians Matt Frawley and Ethan Clark-Wood are now the only Leeds players in the last year of their contracts. Frawley is on loan at Huddersfield Giants after falling down the Rhinos’ half-back pecking order, while outside-back Clark-Wood has made only one first-team appearance. “We haven’t said no to them yet,” Blease explained. “We’re working through it all. It will be a few weeks before we can make a decision either way. “We have roughly 14 players out of contract at the end of next season, and I’m currently working on 2027.

We’d like to speak with our out-of-contract players first [before investigating the market], but the feedback has been positive. They all want to stay up to date, which is very nice.” The Rhinos still don’t know who will coach them next season, with Brad Arthur yet to decide on his future.

Leeds are keen to keep him, but the former Parramatta Eels coach wants to coach in the NRL again at some point and is also eager to be closer to his sons, who play in that competition. “It’s still ongoing,” Blease stated about the coaching issue. “We’ll discuss it at our board meeting this week. “We have to be patient and wait for the perfect time, but we also need to make a decision quickly.

We have regular communication with him. The players enjoy him and are performing well for him; long may it continue. “Hopefully, he’ll decide to stay, but only time will tell.”