'Brick by brick': Leeds Rhinos' Sam Lisone on building form, pack stand-out Tom Holroyd and big game v Giants

Import Sam Lisone says he is building his game “brick by brick” - and has praised young forward Tom Holroyd for leading Leeds Rhinos’ pack this season.
By Peter Smith
Published 8th Apr 2023, 06:00 GMT
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Having played in six of Rhinos’ seven Betfred Super League fixtures so far, Lisone says there’s more to come from him personally as he adjusts to his new competition and club.

Lisone, who signed in October and missed much of pre-season, said: “I am probably just trying to get fitter, get more minutes in and slowly build my game around the team. I am still working on it and trying to find my feet, but I think I am getting there slowly.”

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The New Zealand-born Samoa international has started only once for Leeds, in the round one defeat at Warrington Wolves and feels he is suited to his current role.

Sam Lisone is tackled by Sam Luckley, Elliot Minchella and Jesse Sue during Rhinos defeat at Hull KR last week. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.Sam Lisone is tackled by Sam Luckley, Elliot Minchella and Jesse Sue during Rhinos defeat at Hull KR last week. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Sam Lisone is tackled by Sam Luckley, Elliot Minchella and Jesse Sue during Rhinos defeat at Hull KR last week. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

“I want to make some impact off the bench, lift the boys with some good carries,” he added. “Right now I think that’s the best for the team, coming off the bench. That’s what I want to be, whatever’s the best for the team.

“There’s some personal goals me and Rohan [Smith, Rhinos’ coach] are working towards and we’ll get there week by week and brick by brick.”

At 28, Lisone is one of the experienced heads in a young Rhinos middle-unit, which includes 22 year olds Holroyd and Sam Walters, alongside Mikiolaj Oledzki and Cameron Smith who are both 24.

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“We’ve got good depth of front-rowers in our club,” Lisone noted. “Tommy Holroyd has probably been a stand-out forward and he had a massive pre-season too.

Rhinos' Sam Lisone is "excited" to be facing friend and former teammate Sebastine Ikahihifo of Huddersfield Giants. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.Rhinos' Sam Lisone is "excited" to be facing friend and former teammate Sebastine Ikahihifo of Huddersfield Giants. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.
Rhinos' Sam Lisone is "excited" to be facing friend and former teammate Sebastine Ikahihifo of Huddersfield Giants. Picture by Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com.

“That’s where you get a good season from, so credit to him. He is probably leading us forwards, so we are chasing Tommy.

“I want to pass on my experience where I can. We all have a good relationship and I’ll help them any way I can, but they are also helping me, pushing me so it’s good competition.