Blake Austin has emerged as a potential recruitment option for Super League clubs after he was shopped around for the 2024 season. The Leeds Rhinos halfback is off-contract at the season and seemingly has no deal secured at Headingley next year following recent developments.
The player's agent, Tyran Smith, is understood to have been in contact with clubs over the last seven days figuring out the level of interest in the 32-year-old for next season. Austin is currently in his second season at Headingley having penned a 12-month extension after his first year.
Austin, who produced a magical performance in Leeds' victory over Huddersfield last Friday, is in his fifth Super League season after also having a spell at Warrington Wolves. His availability is an interesting development at a time when there is plenty of secrecy surrounding Rohan Smith's recruitment plans for next year.
While a deal for Catalans' Mickael Goudemand is set to be signed off, they have missed out on Newcastle Knights forward Lachlan Fitzgibbon, who is heading to Warrington Wolves. Rugby League Live is aware that Leeds have made enquiries about spine players, suggesting changes in that area. Aidan Sezer is expected to return to Australia but there has been a feeling Austin would stay at Leeds.
Read more: Sam Walters explains Leeds Rhinos exit after completing Wigan Warriors move
However, that is now in question, with no contract seemingly agreed to at this point given other clubs have been alerted to his services. Austin has 14 assists in 15 Super League games this season. He has kicked more forty-twenties than anyone in the competition this year and made over 150 metres per game.
Leeds have lost Sam Walters to Wigan and Liam Tindall to Hull FC and still have several senior players off-contract, such as James Bentley, David Fusitu'a and Aidan Sezer.
