Former Leeds Rhinos playmaker Blake Austin has signed with a new club ahead of the 2025 season where he will take on a new role.
Austin last played for Leeds Rhinos in July of 2023 with his Headingley career cut short when he was loaned out to West Yorkshire rivals Castleford Tigers for the final five games of the season.
He even played against the Rhinos in what would be his final game in Super League with neither team willing to offer the Australian a deal for the 2024 campaign, despite Austin being very vocal about wanting a new deal at Leeds.
That saw him return to Australia where he would sign and play for Entrance Tigers during the 2024 season but he’s now landed a new club for the upcoming campaign.
It’s been announced that the former Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos star will be joining Berkeley Vale Panthers, serving as the team’s Junior Development Mentor and player.
Former Leeds Rhinos man lands new club Down Under
Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
After featuring alongside the likes of Wakefield Trinity icon David Fifita when playing for Entrance Tigers in 2024, Austin has made the switch to join Berkeley Vale Panthers.
It was a move announced by the club via their social media and saw them ‘thrilled’ to welcome Austin to the club.
“Exciting news for our rugby league club,” the announcement read.
“We’re thrilled to welcome former NRL and Super League star Blake Austin to our team as our new Junior Development Mentor.
“With a wealth of experience and a passion for the game, Blake will be guiding our young players, helping them sharpen their skills and inspiring the next generation of Berkeley Vale Panther talent.”
A second announcement would follow with the club confirming the ex-Leeds Rhinos man as their ‘marquee First Grade Player for 2025’.
At 33, Austin still has plenty of rugby left in his legs but this signing clearly rules out any future Super League or NRL ambitions.
The club statement read: “The Berkeley Vale Panthers are thrilled to announce Blake Austin has signed as our marquee First Grade Player for 2025.
“Blake started his career with the Penrith Panthers and has since successfully played for the Wests Tigers and Canberra Raiders in the NRL and Warrington, Leeds and Castleford in the Super League.
“Now, he’s excited to bring his journey full circle, finishing with the Panthers here in Berkeley Vale – where he’ll be part of the same club as his kids!”
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