The latest on the future of Leeds Rhinos Blake Austin

Blake Austin has been in Super League for a number of years now after first making the move to these shores with the Warrington Wolves back in 2019.

He played over 50 games for the Wolves in a three-year period before moving to Leeds Rhinos in a bid to freshen up his career.

Austin signed a one-year deal at Headingley, but things have been far from smooth following the stepping down of Richard Agar earlier this season.

And, with his contract ending in 2022, Austin was coy when asked about his future despite being linked with a move to new NRL side the Dolphins for 2023.

However, in that contract was an option to opt out for another year which neither party has decided to do, so Austin will remain at Headingley for 2022 as chief executive Gary Hetherington revealed to the Yorkshire Evening Post, saying: “His arrangement, as I understand it, provided for two years, but there was an option for either party to come out of it.

“It’s been challenging but I’ve learned a lot about myself, even so far into my career,” Austin told Serious About Rugby League.

“It’s been a period where I can come out the other side with valuable lessons.”

And, his head coach Rohan Smith was equally as coy when asked during his pre-match press conference.

“To my knowledge Blake has got a contract and he is here.”

Smith was also asked about the future of Bodene Thompson who has been linked with a move back home to be nearer his family.

“It’s up to Bodene to explore his options and I won’t be discussing what I’m doing with players now in this forum,” Smith continued.