SAM Lisone’s potential switch to Hull FC could hinge on changes to the Betfred Super League’s overseas quota rules, according to head coach John Cartwright.
The Black and Whites have been linked with a move for the Samoa international, who is in the final year of a three-season contract he signed when he joined Leeds Rhinos from NRL side Gold Coast Titans.
Moves are afoot to increase the limit on non-Federataion-trained players in Super League squads from seven to 10 from 2026, albeit with no more than seven allowed to be part of the matchday 18, and Hull FC boss Cartwright admitted that factored into whether his side would be able to bring in prop Lisone.
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“We’re talking to a lot of the players and until we get clear clarification on what’s happening with the rules of the competition, that’s all it’ll be,” Cartwright told BBC Radio Humberside.
“There are a lot of conversations going on with different players.
“Sam is a big, strong competitor, he’s been around a while, but until we know 100 percent it’s just a bit of conjecture.”
Should Hull FC sign Lisone, however, it may have a knock-on effect in their bid to make Sam Eseh’s loan move from Wigan Warriors a permanent one.
The 22-year-old forward has impressed Cartwright with his displays in his 11 Super League appearances so far in 2025, although his future at the MKM Stadium beyond 2025 depends on the Black and Whites’ salary cap situation.
“We’ll just have to see where we sit, whether it’s Sam Lisone or anyone else,” Cartwright said.
“The thing with a salary cap and signing players is that it never sleeps, it’s 24/7 and can change at any second in that timeframe.
“I’ve been around a while and I don’t get excited until anyone is on the books.”