Only seen the footage of him with the side step and the running game.

Does he have a passing game?

Never mind his passing game, what's his goalkicking like?

If he's not a kicker, I hope he is good at scoring tries under the sticks.

Didn't Wayne Bennett want to select him for England at one point?

I think he'll be a star in SL. He's a class above Roberts in terms of what he's done in the NRL. On his day he's the best running stand off in the NRL bar none. He's not a great organiser, can hog the ball and his defence can be targeted, but if he's on he will win matches on his own. Whilst I would have liked Leeds to have signed him, its great for SL to sign someone like Austin, who's one of the most recognisable NRL players there is. Given his daft goatee-hair combo he could and should be a PR dream as well.

I thought Roberts would go well for you, but Austin is genuinely a step above him at his best.

Re England, I think he's eligible but it was McNamara who was looking for England-qualified NRL players. McNamara did make a point of saying that he wouldn't chase anyone, it was up to them to make the move. Personally if he plays well for Wire I'd love it if he put his hand up for England, we're desperate for a second halfback.

Gday lads, long time Wire supporter from Australia here. Austin will be a huge pick up for you guys, like BrisbaneRhino said he's not the best game manager/ball player, but he plays with high energy and has a great running game. Sounds like he has his head in the game as well (unlike Roberts). Potential man of steel winner IMO

Who would you recommend as a scrum half from Aus would balance out Austin's inclusion with his lack in some attributes?

BTW
Surprised you said "you guys" for being a Wire too!
:-0

Cheers Freddie, reading your Wire list just sent a shiver down my spine although that team and following was my dad's generation.

All the best pal

Ah 10 mins walk from the suncorp!! that brings back some memories from last year.
Thanks for the info, cant wait to see him over here!

Josh Drinkwater at scrum half would be amazing, unless Brown goes and we finally play patton at Scrum half?

49 minutes for Blake this week. He filled in at centre after Jarrod Croker went off injured.

9 runs
3 passes
105 metres (33 normal run, 60 hitup, 12 kick return)
1 try (great effort, the ball from a kick was nearly over the dead ball line, but he didn't give up and got a hand to it)

....but not too get too carried away as he came on fit against tired players once again.

Good signing IMO. Looked great last season for Canberra. Be great to watch in SL.