Leeds step up interest in playmaker

Leeds are said to be close to signing Warrington halfback Blake Austin, according to Yorkshire Live.

The rumour mill has been in overdrive in the past few days following the stripping of Luke Gale’s captaincy, with Austin said to be on the Rhinos’ radar.

Whilst Gale is still expected to be at Headingley in 2022 – he is contracted until the end of that season – head coach Richard Agar looks to be building for a shot at the Super League title.

Though Austin is primarily a halfback, there’s been no secret of his ability to play in a number of positions, with loose forward and even the wing housing the Australian in recent seasons.

Since joining Warrington ahead of the 2019 season, Austin has registered 59 appearances, scoring 27 tries, but the 30-year-old’s time at the Halliwell Jones Stadium looks to be over…