Shock update on Blake Austin future

Former Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves star Blake Austin was expected to stay at Castleford Tigers by many but in a shock twist he will leave the club now the season has concluded.

Billy Tsikrikas, Jordan Johnstone, Alex Foster and Blake Austin will all leave the Tigers following their loan deal expiry.

Each player played their part in the Tigers season and filled the gaps with injuries to the playing squad and bolstered the depth.

The Fords would like to wish them well in their next venture, whatever they may be.

Danny Wilson thanked them for their contribution at the club and wished them well for the future.

“We needed to recruit to survive in Super League and the boys answered the call. Billy has flown all the way around the world and he came to help us achieve survival. We’re very grateful for that. He wanted to give himself a chance at Super League and we hope he moves on to a venture that suits him.

“Johnstone and Foster, they came to have another taste at Super League and they’ve not let themselves down. They’ve both played their part and we’re grateful to them for doing that. We also thank Blake for his contribution and wish him well for whatever comes next.”

Austin had previously stated about his Leeds exit:

“Obviously, there was a bit of speculation as to why it happened.

“I received a phone call at 9.30pm on a Wednesday night. Gareth Widdop said, ‘are you interested in coming and giving us a hand?’

“I sort of said I’m not sure if Leeds will let me but the way my situation is I’m open to come in and help and if you think I can help, then yeah within 12-15 hours I was a Tiger.

“I wasn’t looking to leave, obviously I was a bit upset with my situation but I was fully focused on forging ahead for them for the rest of the year and yeah here I am.

“I guess in life all you can do is deal the cards you’ve been dealt. I think that’s a good lesson in all of it for myself.”

Asked about his future, he said:

“No, I haven’t. I was probably more stressed about the contract stuff six to eight weeks ago than what I am now.

“Obviously there’s only four weeks to go. I’ve got a couple of things in the pipeline but nothing set in concrete and I’m just enjoying each week as it comes.

“Obviously being at this place it’s something that’s really important and something I don’t look too far ahead because we’re only seven days away from being back in a real battle again so yeah it’s been refreshing.”