LEEDS RHINOS sporting director Ian Blease has revealed that “salary cap constraints” stopped the West Yorkshire club from keeping Sam Lisone.
Lisone has signed a two-year deal with Hull FC from next season.
The Samoan international joined the Rhinos in 2023 from NRL side Gold Coast Titans, initially on a two-year contract.
But, the 31-year-old has been an ever present for Leeds this season, making 19 appearances off the bench – which makes his exit at the end of the season even more bitter.
Now Blease has clarified the salary cap situation, saying: “We will be sad to see Sam leave the club and we were speaking to his management about a potential deal for 2026.
“He has been able to secure a long-term deal on terms that we were unable to match within our salary cap constraints.
“We are committed to building our squad and rewarding success, unfortunately that means in a salary cap sport that you can not keep everyone all the time.
“Sam has produced his best rugby under Brad Arthur and I am sure he will remain committed to the group so he finishes his time at the club in the best possible manner.”