Recruitment and retention are on the minds of virtually every Super League fan with big news at Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC in recent times.
Focusing specifically on Leeds, the Rhinos have made one signing for 2024 in the shape of Mickael Goudemand.
They have also been linked with Tyrone Roberts and former Huddersfield Giants star Danny Levi.
But for the most part Leeds’ focus has been on giving their current stars new deals but oddly not those out of contract.
Ash Handley and Jarrod O’Connor have been given new deals as have recent signings Sam Lisone, Justin Sangare and Nene MacDonald.
One man still without a contract is Blake Austin despite his sensational recent form which saw him appear on Sky Sports News as Super League’s Player of the Month after Man of the Match displays against Huddersfield and Warrington.
Speaking on Sky he revealed that his future is still very much unclear even claiming that all he has heard has come from Rohan Smith’s press conferences:
“I have got no issues being honest about a contract, I think it is a contract between two parties.
“All I have heard about my prospects of staying at the club are from Rohan’s press conferences.
“The last I heard is that I am in his thoughts so hopefully I can continue to impress.
“My preference is to stay at Leeds, I played in a Grand Final six months ago and I want to keep performing in front of the South Stand.”
He went on to say that he has had no indication form the club about what they want to do:
“I haven’t had an indication from the club. This is where I want to be and where I want to play.
“I understand my age and things like that but when you are playing well you just want to knock it off and hopefully we can settle it soon.”
Leeds will want him to continue this great form despite the uncertainty around his future as they take on Hull KR in a game that could have huge implications for both sides in the play-off race.
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