Super League coach addresses star man’s future as exit reportedly looms

Halfbacks are the bread and butter of success, look at Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and St Helens in the past of the change in fortunes for Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Leigh Leopards driven by George Williams, Jake Clifford and Lachlan Lam.

However, there are still question marks over the future of the Leeds Rhinos halfbacks.

Both Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer are yet to sign new deals at the club.

Austin’s future has been gaining plenty of attention due to his comments on Sky Sports after being named Man of the Match against Warrington and receiving the Player of the Month yesterday.

He suggested a lack of communication from the club and given his form Leeds fans haven’t been happy.

Rohan Smith addressed his future today: “Following from yesterday’s news, Blake and I have had a conversation today.

“There’s also been ongoing dialogue with his player manager or player agent. We went through a few things there.

“Blake’s an important part of our squad. He’s playing well. He’s had a good solid season and he’s an important part of things.

“But the contract side of things won’t be played out publicly from my end. But I’ll continue to have conversations with Blake and his management in time.”

When asked if he didn’t appreciate the comments from Austin, Smith said: “I haven’t seen all of it, but I read one of the articles. He was asked a direct question and he gave an answer and that’s okay, that’s fine.

“Blake and I have had a conversation and we’ll have more as time goes.”

But Aidan Sezer’s future is also unclear. There have been suggestions he will go home and could sign for Wests Tigers.

When asked about this, Smith said: “I’m not sure about the reports. So that’s a question I can’t answer. Those conversations will be had behind closed doors and if Aiden’s got an announcement, he can announce it.”

It is an interesting situation for the club who have no halfbacks signed on for next year and there is certainly a lack of them in the game.

They have been linked with former Huddersfield Giants hooker Danny Levi.