Blake Austin explains shock move to lower league club after Leeds Rhinos exit

After stints at Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers, Blake Austin’s time in the UK is coming to an end.

The stand-off was set to receive a British citizenship but did not secure a contract in the Super League or the Championship and is set to return to Australia.

Austin started his Super League career in 2019 with Warrington Wolves where he helped them reach the Challenge Cup Final only to miss the win over St Helens due to injury. He would leave the Wire at the end of 2021 to join Leeds on a one year deal which was quickly extended to two.

This one year extension is what created problems though in 2023. After a strong finish to 2022 for Austin and the Rhinos, he would be a stand out player in the first half of 2023 for the Rhinos. He was superb in wins over Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves and would be named as Man of the Match in the latter two. Having been so, he would use it as a platform on Sky Sports to put pressure on the club to extend his deal.

This happened again when he was named Player of the Month and was interviewed on Sky Sports. He would then appear on the JBK Show and continue this narrative and also told Wests Tigers to give him a call.

He would get a move to the Tigers in the end but Castleford Tigers on loan. He was expected to extend his stay at the club but no deal was agreed. There was talk about a move to Salford Red Devils or Featherstone Rovers but neither happened and he is set to join Australian lower league club the Entrance Tigers.

Austin has now explained why he has joined the club underlining his passion for the grassroot level of the sport.

He explained on Instagram: “I can’t wait to get home and have a year with the Entrance Tigers. Anyone that knows me, knows the passion I have for the sport and also the grassroots of it.

“I can’t wait to immerse myself in it. Can’t wait to have more time with the kids, and hopefully learn to surf haha. See ya soon Aus.”

So, despite criticism of some Leeds fans of the move, Austin is very pleased to be making the move to the Entrance Tigers.