Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 2:49 pm  

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

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:00 pm  

Jack Burton wrote:

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?

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:03 pm  

Jack Burton wrote:

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

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:14 pm  

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.

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:14 pm  

Jack Burton wrote:

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

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

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 3:54 pm  

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.

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:25 pm  

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.

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:29 pm  

::

Jack Burton wrote:

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.

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

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:32 pm  

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.

Re: IN 2022 | Blake Austin - Expires: 2022 : Wed Aug 04, 2021 4:36 pm  

Simmo71 wrote:

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.