Leeds confirm signing of Blake Austin
Leeds have confirmed the signing of half-back Blake Austin from Warrington on a one-year contract for the 2022 season.
The 30-year-old will join the Rhinos at the end of the season and becomes their third new signing for 2022 following on from St Helens forward James Bentley and Huddersfield half-back Aidan Sezer.
Austin has scored 32 tries in 62 appearances for Warrington since arriving at the club in 2019.
Austin said: “While I have some disappointment at leaving Warrington, I’m extremely happy to be joining such a great club.
“Leeds are a club I set my sights on a few months back, and I’m stoked to be getting on board.
“I’m joining one of my best mates (Sezer) and a squad that look set for an exciting next 5 to 10 years.
“I opted for a one-year deal to prove myself to the Leeds faithful but I also believe it’s something that will help get the best out me personally but I definitely want to settle in for a lot longer.”
Leeds coach Richard Agar said: “We are delighted to be able to add a player of the quality of Blake Austin to our existing squad for next season.
“Consistently over the last two seasons, we have spoken about creating competition for every position in the side and, just as importantly, making sure that we have strength in depth.
“We saw earlier this season that we needed to improve our options at half back, which Blake will certainly do but he can also play a number of positions across the team.
“We see plenty of adaptability and versatility in Blake and of course he has a great deal of experience both in the NRL and Super League having played nearly 200 games.
“Throughout our discussions about our vision for his role within our squad, I have been impressed with his ambition and willingness to play his part for the team and I am looking forward to seeing him in our environment.”
Austin has made almost 200 career appearances for Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, Canberra Raiders and Warrington. He has represented Great Britain and Portugal at international level.
