Leeds Rhinos have confirmed the signing of Sam Lisone on a two-year contract from Gold Coast Titans. As first revealed by Leeds Rhinos, the Samoan international joins the club on a two-year contract ahead of the 2023 campaign.
Capped four times by Samoa, Lisone arrives despite being under contract at the Titans, where he only signed a new deal last year. He was a regular earlier in the season but was dropped by Justin Holbrook midway through the season and didn't return to first-team action. It's unclear how much the Titans have tipped in as part of the deal that sees him arrive at Headingley.
Lisone has over 150 games of NRL experience as well as four caps for Samoa. He could also be joined at the club by partner Georgia Hale, the vice captain of the New Zealand Ferns. Leeds are hopeful she will join the club to be part of their women's side.
“Sam is a skilful forward who is big and aggressive but also has great footwork," coach Rohan Smith said. "I am sure he will settle in well to life at the Rhinos as he has always been a tremendous team player who brings a great deal of experience from the NRL having played nearly 150 first grade games.”
Lisone becomes the club's eighth signing for 2023. He is joined by Derrell Olpherts, Justin Sangare, James McDonnell, Luke Hooley, Luis Roberts, Leon Ruan and Toby Warren next year.
Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington added: “We look forward to welcoming Sam to the Rhinos. I would like to thank the Gold Coast Titans and Sam’s management team for the professional manner the whole process has been dealt with. I am sure Sam will settle in well at Headingley and I am become a fan favourite.”
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