Super League coach speaks out on reported swoop for star player

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Hull FC and Warrington Wolves have all been the centres of a transfer storm as of late.

There are certainly some interesting goings on at Headingley. Leeds have completed one signing for the 2024 season in the shape of Mickael Goudemand. The Rhinos missed out on Warrington bound Lachlan Fitzgibbon.

The Rhinos have also been linked with Luke Brooks who will leave Wests Tigers to sign for Manly Sea Eagles.

Leeds have prioritised handing long term deals to their key players such as Ash Handley, Jarrod O’Connor, Sam Lisone, Justin Sangare and Nene MacDonald.

But their halfbacks still remain not signed on for next year.

Blake Austin’s future has been a very interesting talking point and today 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.”

As rumours about Austin and Aidan Sezer go round and round, there have been reports of a surprise arrival in the shape of former Huddersfield Giants star Danny Levi.

When asked about this, Smith said:

“I’m not going to buy into any of the speculation. When or if there’s a signing, we’ll be excited to announce.”

Levi was an excellent number nine for Huddersfield and was supposed to be at the club in 2023 but left to join Canberra Raiders after representing Samoa in the World Cup.