Has Austin played there before?
Next season I expect Myler and Walker to battle it out for the fullback spot.

I'm still not convinced Walker will play in the first team too often next season. I think the club will be very careful with him and he'll play mostly in the reserves.
Myler has been great, but I think Austin could be even better in that position. If he'd have come through a few years later, he'd probably have been a FB anyway.

I'd say the initial intention is a 6/7 combination with Sezer and Austin. Having effectively an NRL first grade half back combination (admittedly maybe not on current form) is a rare treat for a SL club.

If Walker doesn't make it, and Myler is injured or whatever, at least in Austin we have a credible cover. The only other worthwhile options we have are L Sutcliffe and Broadbent, who I'd much rather see develop at centre/wing.

Austin will get game time for sure next year. The other thing is that this signing helps with our pre-season prep. It gives us more skill, more for Sean Long to work with, and more options to play with. Contrast that with this recent pre-season where we didn't have a fit half back throughout pretty much.

It's also a sign of how far the club has come. Other clubs and players can see Leeds is on the rise again now, it's a club people want to join again. That in itself makes us more dangerous as we can attract better quality players (and juniors) without having to pay ransoms because we're a basket case.

If Walker's operation has been successful then there is no reason why Walker shouldn't be pushing for the number 1 spot.

Very good signing for me.
We all said we needed a running 6 to complement the organising 7.
And we were all a bit perplexed when the club signed Sezer, as we already had Gale.
Sezer and Austin makes perfect sense and I think it signals the end for Gale.
He may well sit out the year at Leeds, but given his average performances and ridiculous suspensions, he will be third choice.
I think we retain Martin and release Hurrell.
A new prop depends on what we do with King.
We do need a winger, but both Briscoes have done OK lately (other than the odd Tom brain fart).
Club might leave that until next year.
Also, Myler has been a revelation at FB, so no urgency for that. We can ease Walker back in and keep using Myler there.
Bentley, Sezer, Austin and most importantly Prior is very good business so far.

Can't think of a year in recent memory that our recruitment has been anywhere near this good.

I think you're probably right. Given the roster, I wouldn't be surprised if we weren't open to him finding first team rugby elsewhere if he can get fit

McLelland is not even in the equation, he’s gone simply not good enough.

I don’t rate Austin show pony nothing more, but agree he maybe a great fit with Sezar and Myler at full back, and also like to see Cameron Smith move to a more out an out ball playing 13.

Gale can fight for a place, up his game, or I suspect will take his bat n ball home and move on.

Unsurprising,does put a question over Gale tho abit.

Me neither. Not been this excited for new signings since we signed Lauatiti

Myler
Briscoe, Newman, Sutcliffe, Handley
Sezer, Austin
Mik, Leeming, Prior
Mellor, Bentley
Smith

Johnson
Holroyd
Vuniyayawa
Tetevano

Could be something like our first 17 next year and with Gale, Walker, Gannon, Walters, O’Connor, Edwards, Dwyer, Donaldson, Broadbent, Tindall and some others in reserve, that’s not a terrible option.

I can see both Hurrell and Martin leaving looking at that.

Doesnt Austin signing confirm one of Hurrell or Martin isn't staying?

I think the club will offer Martin a deal.

If the cap allows i think Martin will be offered a deal. I think he has been pretty consistent last few weeks since he got over the after effects of Covid. He is also the best goal kicker in the league which is a bonus

Personally I’d let King go. If you’re taking an overseas spot you need to be a better player imo but it may come down to money and that could mean Hurrell going.

It is what it is but the club seems to be playing hardball with the three OS players - agree to our offered terms or off you go. I imagine both Hurrell and Martin might be on inflated contracts based on where Leeds are now, and based on form.