There are some big games in the Betfred Super League this week from Hull KR and Hull FC’s huge derby to Warrington Wolves vs St Helens whilst Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards could have big says in the relegation battle between Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity but one of the biggest games in the play-off race is Salford Red Devils taking on Leeds Rhinos.
Ahead of this game however Leeds have suffered a blow with one of their star men suspended.
That is Blake Austin who in the last few weeks has been unstoppable and looking like the competition’s best player.
On his absence, Rohan Smith said:
“We’ve got a few options that we’ve trained with this week. We’ve got a versatile squad. squad and we’ll miss Blake but the team’s been playing well and Blake’s been contributing there.
“It gives other people a chance to step forward, particularly on that left edge, to take a bit more responsibility and cover up for Blake’s one-week absence.”
However, Leeds fans are hoping they won’t have to get used to Austin’s absence with talk the stand-off could leave.
Earlier this week Austin teased a contract update on social media.
On this, Smith said:
“You’d have to ask Blake about that type of announcement. If he’s scheduled to make it on social media, I’m not too sure.”
When pressed on the off contract stars, Smith stated:
“Yeah, we’re still working through. There’s a bunch of decisions still to be made and we’ll announce those in time.
“Yeah, recruitment and retention is a sort of simultaneous process. So there’s no strict timescale. Next season doesn’t start until February, but we know we have to work through those.
“There’s some decisions that are pressing and imminent, others can evolve in time and as I’ve said, those that are off contract have got the opportunity to look elsewhere also.
“That’s the nature of the competition and the nature of the system.”
