Leeds Rhinos contract news: Overseas signing extends Headingley stay – ‘I love it here’

Drew Darbyshire
Sam Lisone Leeds Rhinos SWpix

Photo: Ed Sykes/SWpix

Samoa international Sam Lisone has signed a new deal with Leeds Rhinos that will see him remain at Headingley until at least the end of the 2025 season.

The 29-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Rhinos since initially joining the Super League giants on a two-year deal ahead of this season.

Lisone made his 150th career appearance in Leeds’ impressive 54-0 win over neighbours Huddersfield on Friday night.

He said: “I am excited to be staying at the Rhinos and I am grateful to the club for wanting me to stay here.

“I feel like I am building into the season and now getting to where I want to be playing.

“I love it here at the Rhinos and I love the city, the fans here are really vocal.

“Playing at Headingley when the fans are going off; there is no better feeling and you just want to go out there and give it your all.”

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Leeds Rhinos boss delighted to extend Sam Lisone stay

Rhinos boss Rohan Smith added: “I am pleased for Sam that we have agreed this extension with him.

“He has really settled into our group and he is beginning to show what he can do on the field now.

“It is always a big decision to move to the other side of the world so it is pleasing that he feels so at home here at the Rhinos and I am sure that will help him to continue to build his performances.”

Lisone started his career in the NRL with New Zealand Warriors, making his first-grade debut in 2015.

He made 85 appearances for the Titans between 2015-19 before moving to Gold Coast Titans.

The four-time Samoa international played 48 games for the Titans across three seasons before heading to Super League.

New Zealand-born Lisone represented his Samoan heritage at the 2017 World Cup.

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