Sam Lisone committed to Leeds as partner Georgia Hale heads for NRLW

New Leeds recruit Georgia Hale will return to the NRLW after signing with the Gold Coast Titans for the 2023 season Down Under. 

Hale, 27, made her Women’s Super League debut against York Valkyrie at Headingley Stadium, but will now leave the club later this month to return to the Titans.

The New Zealand international made the move to England alongside partner Sam Lisone, who joined Rohan Smith’s squad ahead of 2023 from the NRL on a two-year deal.

Hale admits family has played a part in her decision to return home, while stating that prop forward Lisone, who has made 10 Super League appearances this season, will not be joining her back Down Under.

Georgia Hale to return to NRLW

“I have really enjoyed my time and experiences with Leeds so far, but I’m so looking forward to coming home,” Hale said.

“I think sometimes you need to look at the bigger picture of life in general and to get to back near family and home comforts it just happens that the NRLW is the pull to get there, but I will be back at Leeds.

“My partner Sam Lisone is here and sees his future at the club and I am so in support of that.

“I really want to return and keep building my personal relationship with the club, but it’s just a personal endeavour that I really do want to chase in Australia.

“The girls have been so great at Leeds. The efforts that Lois puts around her squad is admirable and I have just been really fortunate to be a part of that and see the system she has in place.

“My partner Sam Lisone is here and sees his future at the club”

“It’s just a shame that the distance between the New Zealand, Australia and England is so far apart and on a different time zone which makes it quite challenging.

“I have enjoyed my role at Leeds Rhinos Foundation and there is such a buy in from the community.

“When I have been into the schools there’s lots of interest from girls to play rugby and clubs are keen to have teams so those are the seeds you need to plant for what you want to grow and that’s the feel across the entire region.

“I think the girls game is in really good hands over here and will go from strength to strength.”

Hale’s last game for the Rhinos will be the double header against St Helens at Headingley on 26th May, with the Gold Coast Titans to begin pre-season training on May 29.

She is the final signing for the Titans’ 2023 top 24 roster.

Leeds Rhinos Women head coach Lois Forsell added: “We are obviously disappointed for Georgia to be leaving the club.  

“She has been great in her time with us and it’s been really beneficial to have an international player of her quality in our squad and working with our young players.”

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