Leeds Rhinos sign Gold Coast Titans prop Sam Lisone

Sam Lisone in action for New Zealand Warriors against St George Illawarra at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Picture by Andrew Cornaga / www.Photosport..nz/SWpix.com

Auckland-born Lisone has 133 NRL appearances under his belt, for New Zealand Warriors and Gold Coast, as well as four Samoa caps.

He was coached by Rhinos team boss Rohan Smith in Warriors’ under-20s and insisted: “I am excited to join up with the Rhinos.

“I have never been to England, but I am keen to get over there. I have heard a lot of good stuff about the club and I can’t wait to get over and meet the fans.”

Sam Lisone, playing for Samoa, tackles New Zealand's Jared Waerea-Hargreaves durng the 2017 World Cup. Picture by Andrew Cornaga/SWpix.com/PhotosportNZ.

Lisone added: “It is a new chapter for me and a fresh start, not just for playing but a new lifestyle, in a new country.

“I have got a lot of mates in Super League and I grew up in Auckland with [Rhinos winger] David Fusitu’a.

“He’s probably one of the reasons why I wanted to come to Leeds because we were childhood friends.”

Of working with Smith again, Lisone said: “Rohan and I had a very close relationship when he was at the Warriors. I worked closely with him and he helped me a lot with my game.

Sam Lisone scores for NZ Warriors against Sydney Rabbitohs. Picture by Daniel Carson / www.photosport.nz/SWpix.com.

“I have always liked what he was about, the way he trains his teams. He gave me a call and, to be honest, we never stopped talking.

“When he told me there could be a position at Leeds for me, my heart was set on the move straight away.

“You only need to look at what he did at Leeds this year, taking the team into the Grand Final, to know how good he is.”

Smith hailed Lisone as a “skilful forward who is big and aggressive, but also has great footwork”.

He 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.”

Lisone’s partner Georgia Hale plays for Gold Coast in the National Women’s Rugby League and is vice-captain of New Zealand’s squad for the women’s World Cup which kicks off at Headingley on November 1.

Rhinos are keen to sign Hale for their women’s side, but Lisone 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.”

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “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 become a fan favourite.”

SAM LISONE

Age: 28.

Born: Auckland, New Zealand.

Height: 1.84 metres/6ft.

Weight: 110kg/17st3lbs

Position: Prop.

Junior club Otahuhu Leopards.

NRL appearances: 133.

NRL tries: five.

New Zealand Warriors (2015-2019): 85 appearances, three tries.

Gold Coast Titans: (2020-2022): 48 appearances, two tries.

Samoa appearances: Five from 2015-2017.