Halfbacks are the bedrock of success as we have seen in the past with Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and St Helens, even Warrington Wolves and Catalans Dragons to a degree and the likes of Hull FC and Leigh Leopards this season.
Speaking of Hull and Leigh, they are prime examples of how there is still a lot of talk going round about the futures of Super League halfbacks.
Jake Clifford has completed a move back to the NRL with home town club North Queensland Cowboys for 2024.
Meanwhile, Canberra Raiders and other clubs have been chasing Lachlan Lam.
This comes as Brodie Croft and Aidan Sezer find themselves as targets for Wests Tigers.
But it is Sezer’s Leeds teammate Blake Austin who is being talked about the most.
The halfback has been in red hot form lately but after claiming the Man of the Match against Warrington Wolves he was bullish as he said he hoped Chief Executive Gary Hetherington was watching following reports he hadn’t received a contract offer and was looking at his options.
He reaffirmed this stance as he was named Player of the Month on Sky Sports News.
He has now appeared on The JBK Show and opened up on his future.
When asked about a potential return to the NRL, he said: “I always said when I came over that I wouldn’t go back but as a rugby player you look at everything that comes up.”
“I am a pretty confident guy so I think I can still cut it. I’m off contract at Leeds and whatever will be, will be.
“I have never been afraid to do things a bit differently. If an opportunity came up to go home, that would be something I would look at and my kids would push me and force me to look at.
“I am really confident I could cut it. I think I could do a really good job at 14.
“If I was going back I would want to go to a successful team and just focus on me but I’m open to all offers.”
When asked if he would sign for Wests Tigers who are looking at teammate Aidan Sezer and Salford Red Devils star Brodie Croft, he said: “Well they can give me a call if they want.”
That said he did underline his ambition to win a Grand Final over in England and that he is comfortable at Leeds: “I am really comfortable where I am at. I would love to win a title or a Challenge Cup over here.”
This comments haven’t gone down too well with some Leeds fans but former official Richard Silverwood has been critical of Leeds over their lack of clarity in the situation.
Speaking on social media, he said:
“Can’t blame Austin. Not sure what Leeds are doing. Surely they will have said 1 year, take it or leave it in which case he won’t. If they are still undecided then it’s shocking from Leeds. They player needs to know for his family.”
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