Blake Austin turns screw on Leeds Rhinos as future talks take new twist

Half-back Blake Austin has heaped the pressure on Leeds Rhinos’ chiefs to offer him a new contract with the end of the season nearing.

Austin joined Leeds on a one-year deal ahead of 2022, and played a key role as Rohan Smith’s side reached the Grand Final before penning a 12-month extension for this season.

Now just a few months away from the end of this campaign, Austin’s contract talks have spilled into the public eye with the veteran recently admitting no offer had been made by the club in a post-match interview.

And speaking today on Sky Sports’ The Rugby League Verdict, having won Super League’s Player of the Month for June, the 32-year-old says that nothing has changed.

Blake Austin still waiting for Rhinos offer

The half-back said: “I’ve got no issues being honest, contracts are something that are between two parties. From my end, I learned about my prospects of staying at the club in Rohan’s press conferences.

“The last I’ve heard is that I’m in his thoughts, so hopefully I can keep playing well and stay in them.

“My preference has always been to stay at Leeds, I played in a Grand Final here six months ago, and I feel like my form’s been pretty steady here this year.

“I’d love to keep turning out in front of the South Stand for a little bit longer, for sure.”

Blake wants to stay

Contrary to what Austin has said this afternoon, LeedsLive last month reported that an offer had indeed been made to the player by the Rhinos.

It’s believed that the sticking point in the negotiations has been the length of the deal, with Austin seeking a two-year extension and the club only willing to offer another 12 months.

Nonetheless, the former NRL man made his feelings quite clear, adding: “I haven’t had any indication from the club on their preference. I’ve made mine clear that this is where I want to be and this is where I want to play.

“I understand my age and things like that, but when you’re playing well, you just want to knock something off and continue with your footy.

“Hopefully we can do that soon.”

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