Leeds Rhinos sign Blake Austin from Warrington Wolves

Half-back Austin is in his third season with The Wire, whom he joined as a marquee recruit from NRL club Canberra Raiders in 2019.

His Warrington contract ends this year and it was expected he would be departing, following the arrival of George Williams.

The pair were half-back partners on Williams' debut against Leeds on Sunday, but they will square up as rivals in 2022.

Austin, who will join Leeds at the end of the season on a one-year deal, has made 62 appearances for the Wire, scoring 32 tries. 

A Wire club statement reads: "Blake remains fully committed to the club for the remainder of the campaign and will leave with everyone's best wishes this winter."

Austin will join up with fellow new signing Aidan Sezer at Emerald Headingley, with the pair having played alongside each other at Canberra Raiders for three seasons between 2016 and 2018.

Austin said: “While I have some disappointment at leaving Warrington, I’m extremely happy to be joining such a great club.

"Leeds are a club I set my sights on a few months back, and I’m stoked to be getting on board.

"I’m joining one of my best mates and a squad that look set for an exciting next 5 to 10 years.

"I opted for a one year deal to prove myself to the Leeds faithful but I also believe it’s something that will help get the best out me personally but I definitely want to settle in for a lot longer.”

Rhinos head coach Richard Agar said: "We saw earlier this season that we needed to improve our options at half back, which Blake will certainly do but he can also play a number of positions across the team.

“We see plenty of adaptability and versatility in Blake and of course he has a great deal of experience both in the NRL and Super League having played nearly 200 games.

"Throughout our discussions about our vision for his role within our squad, I have been impressed with his ambition and willingness to play his part for the team and I am looking forward to seeing him in our environment."