Reports suggest that Canberra Raiders half back Blake Austin could be headed to Headingley for 2019.
Austin, who has been at Canberra since 2015, is said to be ready to quit the Green Machine at the end of the season and there are sure to be plenty of takers from the big clubs in the NRL with Parramatta and Melbourne Storm already showing an interest but the Rhinos are said to be ready to tempt him as a marquee signing in a coup that would light up Super League.
Leeds have struggled this season, partly down to a big injury list, and with Joel Moon likely to return Down Under in October Austin has been earmarked as the signing that could see the Rhinos back challenging at the top of Super League next season.
The City origin representative has also played for Penrith and West Tigers in the NRL but has constantly been linked with a move to England over his career, he has said he wants to try Rugby League in England at some stage in his career and the Rhinos are hoping that time could be now.
He has English heritage through his Grandparents and qualifies to play for Wayne Bennett’s England side, despite representing Portugal early in his career the Parramatta born star hasn’t ruled out playing for the 3 Lions quoting once if asked he’d ‘ cross that bridge when we come to it ‘.
Austin has been in sparkling form this season at Canberra Stadium and would come at a price, a price Leeds think is well worth paying. We’ll watch this with interest.
