Blake Austin’s on time at Warrington Wolves, his exit and facing former side in round one for Leeds Rhinos

Blake Austin created quite the stir in the off-season, making the move from Warrington Wolves to Leeds Rhinos.

He had spent three seasons at the Halliwell Jones Stadium before swapping that for Headingley, signing a one-year deal ahead of the 2022 Super League season.

And, he has now revealed that he was not given an offer to stay by Warrington.

“I didn’t have an option to stay, but it’s come and gone now to be fair,” Austin said.

“I’ve spoken about leaving the club a few times and I think it’s a bit irrelevant now and I’m enjoying my time at Leeds – bring on the season.”

Travelling halfway across the world for a new club in a new country is daunting, but Austin remarked just how settled the Warrington club made him feel.

“I enjoyed every minute of it; when you pick up your family and go across the world you become pretty anxious.

“Warrington as a club and the people I met along the way made that very easy and part of the reason why I’m still here is because I look back at those times fondly and we are really enjoying it in the country.”

Of course, pinpointed in the calendar for Leeds and Warrington fans is round one when the two clash in Saturday’s live Channel 4 game, but for Austin it’s just another game.

“There was always going to be some excitement in round one in my first proper hit out for Leeds against Warrington, but people will make it bigger than what it is.

“It’s just great to be in front of the home crowd no matter who we are playing.

“Saturday afternoon at 12pm is a wonderful time spot and Headingley is a wonderful backdrop for such a match.”