The Gold Coast Titans have received a massive boost ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Rabbitohs in Sydney, with Samoan Test prop Sam Lisone extending his contract for another two seasons.
Lisone, who joined the Titans in January from the New Zealand Warriors on a one-year deal, has been terrific since his arrival and has earnt an extension that will keep him at the Gold Coast until at least the end of 2022.
The 110kg, 184cm prop has been at his aggressive best so far this year, building a powerful combination with Moeaki Fotuaika in the middle of the field.
The 26-year-old also brings much needed experience to the team, with 89 NRL games to his credit since making his debut in 2015.
Lisone said he was “stoked” to be staying at the Titans to continue his career under the guidance of Gold Coast coach Justin Holbrook.
“I came over here for just one year, worked hard and got myself two more years, which I am pretty happy about,” Lisone said. “I am stoked to be a part of a good club.
“I am enjoying my footy under Justin, and learning a lot. We have been working really hard, and I know it hasn’t been showing on the field. It did show last weekend, but hopefully we can back that effort up this weekend against the Bunnies.”
Lisone said he was enjoying being a part of a formidable starting front-row combination with young gun Fotuaika.
“I am obviously trying to put my best foot forward for the team,” he said. “Whether (the jersey number) is eight, 10, 15, 17 – it doesn’t matter as long as everyone is competing, and we are working hard for each other and trying to win some games.
“He doesn’t really say much, but you know Moe is around. He epitomises the Club values. He is the youngest forward, but he is leading the way for us. We just have to jump on the back of that.”
Lisone said he had no hesitation in joining the Titans when the opportunity presented itself at the start of the year, and was delighted to be locked-in long-term and looking forward to playing his first game in front of Titans Members and fans at Cbus Super Stadium.
“I looked at the team before signing, and I want to be here for a while and work hard to bring success to the Club and be a part of that success when it does come,” he said. “We have a young team, but we just need to keep building.
“I haven’t played in front of our crowd, so I am looking forward to hearing all the Titans fans at our first home game.”
