Blake Austin future: Leeds Rhinos star teases contract announcement with major decision set to be made
Blake Austin in action against former club Warrington Wolves in Super League. Photo by Gareth Evans/News Images.
Leeds Rhinos star Blake Austin has teased an update on his future with his current contract set to expire at the end of the 2023 campaign.
Austin, 32, has recently returned to his best form in Super League, winning back-to-back player of the match awards following wins over Huddersfield and Warrington respectively.
The Aussie half-back says an update will be made next week, with a podcast recorded on the JBK Show on Youtube.
“Don’t miss our Youtube channel early next week for a contract update,” Austin wrote on his Instagram story.
Austin has played a big part in Leeds’ recent turn of form, with now just four points separating the Rhinos and a play-off spot.
Rohan Smith’s side bounced back from their shock 24-14 defeat to Wakefield at Belle Vue by hammering Huddersfield Giants 54-0 inside an emotional Headingley Stadium, with the fixture dedicated to Rob Burrow and motor neurone disease awareness during Round 16.
The side followed up with a 22-6 win at the Halliwell Jones Stadium last Thursday, with a trip to the AJ Bell Stadium next up to face Paul Rowley’s Salford Red Devils.
Blake Austin on future with calls out to Gary Hetherington
Speaking to Sky Sports following the win over Daryl Powell’s Warrington, Austin made his intentions clear regarding his future, calling out Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.
Head coach Smith previously stated that he hadn’t given up hope on retaining the half-back, who reportedly entered the open market according to Leeds Live for the 2024 campaign.
Australian coach Smith recently commented on Austin’s contract situation: “That’s a two-way street as it is with every negotiation. Blake has the opportunity to see what else is out there, but he’s also still in our thoughts.
“I haven’t [written it off]. Not at all.”
Speaking about his future, Austin said last week: “I’m not sure if Gary’s [Hetherington] been watching, he hasn’t called me yet or wanted to discuss a contract.
“Hopefully I can keep pushing forward my case and we’ll get something sorted.”
Asked if Leeds is his club of choice for next season, Austin responded: “Yeah, but I don’t know if Leeds’ preference is for me to stay.
“I’d love to hear from them and all I can do is keep playing well.”
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