When we signed Austin I did some digging around to see NRL fans views and posted the links on the Wire thread talking about his signing, further down the thread ChiswickWire did the same



Which turned out to be pretty accurate!

I think he was overhyped when we signed him, he was pumped up in the press as a game changer who would elevate us to the next level, he was talked of as "Man of Steel contender" before he'd even started, and when he started off scoring tries all over the place in his first couple of months the pundits loved him. On our forum there were threads discussing whether he was our best overseas signing of the SL era etc.

After that hot start he never hit the same heights again and overall if he hadn't had that start he would probably be regarded in the tier of high profile overseas signings that disappointed. Still, he seemed to embrace playing for the club and making a go of building a career here, he wasn't constantly looking for an exit route back to the NRL like some have in the past.

I don't think he's a bad player, he's a fine athlete and has talent he is just a bit limited and after those first couple of months SL teams seemed to work out how to negate his best assets. If he's being brought in to play a particular role, rather than being the man the team is built around, he might be more effective at Leeds than Wire. We had a similar situation with Myler who was pretty good for us over a long period of time but some fans were disappointed in him because he was signed as the long term replacement to Briers, and he was never that type of player.

Yeah, agree with that - at the price being paid, shrewd is definitely the word for this signing.

Time to go, time to go,time to go.

Happy with this, 1 year is good for both parties our halfback partnership next year could be best in SL, I do think Gale will he leaving at the end of the season now though & Hurrell or Martin or both could also be on there way out now.

There's nothing to suggest Gale is being released. Austin is being signed to bolster the squad rather than to immediately replace Gale.

Agree with this. Competition and cover for a place can only benefit the team. For me the one player who should be busting a gut to keep his place is Hurrell. Even at a reduced salary he is at this moment not value for money. Now if this is because we are not creating enough space / chances for him that is another matter.I think Martin has done enough to warrant a contact extension. In Thompson can the club justify using a quota spot?

Reading between the lines here, Leeds are signing Austin as a half. The fact he might be able to cover some other positions is a bonus, but Agar talks about recruiting depth into every position, and they identified that half back was a weak area.

The club isn't going to put it in the public domain that they're frustrated with Gale and want a decent back-up if he gets injured/throws his toys/gets suspended/loses form next year.

Gale will get that, and either choose to stay and fight for his place, or go somewhere else. I suspect he will stay with the intention of finishing his career off with Leeds (on a no doubt decent contract). By the way I wouldn't fault Gale's commitment to the club and his passion for it, and he is still a quality player on his day no doubt.

This also throws a decision at McLelland, whether he's willing to sit behind three first grade half backs or get first team elsewhere.

I imagine the 1-year makes sense for both. If Austin forces his way in, he gets an upgraded and extended contract with the funds released when Gale finishes (can't see him being retained after this contract).

Overall, decent signing in context. I'd like to see something at Wing or FB and I still wonder whether we are light one specialist prop but those are relatively minor issues now. We should have a very competitive side next season.

I only see Austin playing at 6 I don't really buy this squad player thing. You play your best team on for mine Sezer and Austin look the best fit. Gale on the bench would be a total waist. I agree about the front row and that could happen if Martin and Hurrell are not retained. We then may have enough to sign a winger also. If we don't sign a prop then I think it will be a given that Vuniyayawa is retained.

I don't think so, but he has another year.

Thompson has another year on his contract which i doubt will be renewed.Martin is playing well but we are over loaded in the back row.I would rather we use the Hurrel and Martin monies to sign a prop and winger.

I think we'll play with split halves, and Austin will play full back.

Why when Myler is one of the best full backs in the league and we have Jack Walker coming back?

I like how Myler has risen to the challenge of Full Back. His positional play is much improved, he's very brave, and he's really sharpened up the left side. On the other hand he's rarely seen on the right. Top. Full backs generally have the athleticism to attack down both flanks. Think Austin, where ever he plays, can do this.

I think he's definitely been signed due to his excellent relationship with Sezer and most definitely to put pressure on Gale.
I really like how Austin has said he wants to earn a longer deal long term and prove himself to the club. That's a great honest attitude.

Well done Leeds, that's a very shrewd buy.