Rohan Smith says he has not given up hope on Blake Austin remaining at the club next year despite the Leeds Rhinos halfback entering the open market. Rugby League Live revealed on Monday that Austin had entered the open market after failing to come to terms on a contract with the club.
Austin's representatives are understood to be pursuing a two-year deal for the halfback, which is proving to be the stumbling block. The Rhinos are thought to have only tabled a one-year deal for the 32-year-old at this stage. It leaves his future in the balance in the aftermath of a dazzling performance last time out against Huddersfield Giants, which was arguably his best display in a Leeds shirt.
Austin is now set to gauge interest from other clubs who may be keen on his services for next year. That said, Smith insisted the club remained hopeful of finding a resolution somewhere down the line.
"It's a two-way street," Smith said "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."
Read more: Key Blake Austin contract detail as Leeds Rhinos ace enters open market
The club has announced new deals for several players in recent weeks, such as Ash Handley, Sam Lisone and Jarrod O'Connor. There are still a number of players, such as Aidan Sezer, David Fustiu'a and James Bentley, who are off-contract at the end of the season. Mickael Goudemand became the club's first confirmed 2024 signing after the club announced his arrival from Catalans Dragons.
