Leeds Rhinos coach Rohan Smith addresses Sam Lisone speculation, reveals latest on Sam Walters contract offer
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He is on a two-year contract, but Hale - a finalist with New Zealand in last year’s Women’s World Cup - recently announced she will leave Rhinos at the end of this month to rejoin Titans in the National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) competition.
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Hide AdDespite Hale stressing Lisone “sees his future” at Rhinos, a media report in Australia this week suggested Lisone could follow her back to Gold Coast for 2024.
Smith, though, insisted: “Sam is committed to Leeds.” Speaking at his weekly preview press conference on Thursday, Smith said: “Nothing has changed there.
“Georgia has a great opportunity in a growing, expanding competition that is the premier competition for ladies in the world.
“That’s about as much as I know, but I do know Sam is very committed towards his long-term future here at the Rhinos.”
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Hide AdLisone has missed just one of Rhinos’ 12 games so far this season and Smith described his form as “pretty steady for a good period of time now”.
He noted: “He has certainly had some impact, he has contributed well among a middle unit that has been solid-ish, but we are looking for more from that middle unit moving forward.”
Smith also feels there is more to come from Lisone as an individual. He added: “We had that conversation this morning.
“I think he has had an impact and is making himself a presence, but there’s more there as well, which I think there is with a bunch of our guys. Steady away, but we are looking for a bit more than that.”
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Hide AdWalters, 22, is out of contract in November and understood to have signed for Wigan Warriors.
“We made Sam a really strong offer, a long term offer [which was] a massive upgrade on his previous contract,” Smith said of Walters.
“That’s where the conversation sort of came to an end. I am not sure where he is going to end up.”
Asked if he is resigned to Walters moving on at the end of this year, Smith said: “That’s where it is at the moment.”
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Hide AdSmith reported there is “nothing settled” with Leeds’ other players in the final year of their contract and said he has not had any conversations with Wakefield Trinity half-back Mason Lino - who was recently linked with Rhinos - or his management.
“I said hello to Mason after we played Wakefield, but that’s the extent of it,” Smith said.
“He is a good player, I have known him a long time, but there has been zero communication as far as a contract goes, to my knowledge.”
Smith confirmed half-back Aidan Sezer (quad muscle) and second-row James McDonnell (arm) will both feature in Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup tie at home to Wigan Warriors after injury.
Teenage half-back Jack Sinfield is still going through his return from concussion process and also taking exams, so is not in Rhinos’ initial squad.