Warriors re-sign Lisone for two years

David Skipwith

The Warriors have re-signed frontrower Sam Lisone on a new two-year contract that will keep him at the club through to the end of the 2020 NRL season.

Lisone, who celebrates his 24th birthday today, was off-contract at the end of this season but has recommitted to the club in a deal which will extend his Warriors career to at least six seasons.

Preparing for his fourth campaign since his debut in 2015, the Toa Samoa international has clocked up 63 appearances so far — he missed just one game in 2017 — leaving him in line to join the club’s 100-game club some time next season.

“We’re delighted we’ve been able to keep Sam here despite interest from other clubs,” said Warriors general manager football Brian Smith.

“He’s another example of a player who has come through our system and has developed into a really important member of our NRL squad.

“He now has the opportunity to step up to the next level and to continue improving his game.”

The Otahuhu Leopards junior is pleased to have resolved his future ahead of the Warriors season opening NRL clash against South Sydney at the new Perth Stadium on March 10.

He is expected to feature in the club’s final pre-season trial against the Gold Coast Titans on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, having sat out their first-up 20-14 win over a secondstring Melbourne side in Rotorua over the weekend.

“It’s awesome knowing I have another two years here,” said Lisone. “I’ve learned so much at the club over the last few years from the experienced players in the squad and it’s been great having ‘Blairy’ [Adam Blair] here to help the younger forwards like me.

“Now it’s time to step up and take on more responsibility.”

Lisone, 1.84m tall and weighing 106kg, had a stellar NYC career, finishing it in the 2014 grand final when he played his milestone 50th game in helping the Stacey Jonescoached Junior Warriors to the premiership.