Ian Blease, the rugby director for the Leeds Rhinos, feels that the team was unable to compete for Sam Lisone’s signature because of Hull FC’s offer.
Powerhouse prop Although the Rhinos wanted Lisone to stay with the team, he signed a two-year contract to play for the Black and Whites next season.
However, Blease has been open about the reality of Leeds’ salary cap position heading into 2026 and revealed there was little the club could do to compete once Hull FC ‘came in hard’ for his signature.
“We were in talks with Sam’s management for a number of months now,” Blease said. “Obviously, Sam’s made the decision to leave, and we wish him all the best of that. We’ve had a good chat with him. We’ve been speaking regularly with him for the last few weeks but he’s got, I believe, a great deal from Hull so we wish him all the best.”
“Unfortunately we’ve worked really well with him with the coaching staff and the backroom team in pre-season, I think that shows this year, but unfortunately he’s decided to leave so that’s where we are.”
Asked if Leeds could have done anything more to keep Lisone, Blease said: “Not really with the offer he’s got. I don’t know too much about that one but they’ve made that decision to come in. We respect that, so best wishes to them.
“There’s a salary cap that we always have to be aware of. Every club’s in the same boat as that. And then obviously we’ll be looking forward to youth pathway in our programs and bringing players in through them systems as well. So we’ve got a view on that longer term, which is great for the club to be in that position.”
As it stands, the Rhinos have yet to decide whether they will externally recruit a replacement.
“As a club, we will consider that. Although we have internal possibilities, we will respect the fact that there are important positions to fill. We’ll see what we can do because he’s been a wonderful player for us this year. Since it only occurred this week, of course, we will consider our alternatives moving ahead.
