Blake Austin says he couldn't ignore the chance to join the Canberra Raiders, providing opportunity for both his NRL playing career and his family.
The Wests Tigers have granted utility Blake Austin an immediate release to join the Raiders on a three-year deal.
Austin will visit Canberra headquarters on Wednesday.
"I'm looking forward to working hard and starting my new chapter , the opportunities for my playing career and also for my family couldn't be ignored," Austin, a 23-year-old father of two wrote on Twitter. "Can't wait to set up life in Canberra with my beautiful family."
pic.twitter.com/uQwrIWKUSQ — blakeaustin6 (@blakeaustin6)
October 14, 2014
The deal was struck on Monday night, with Austin keen to come to Canberra and establish himself as an NRL five-eighth.
Austin was one of the Tigers' best last season, breaking through to play 19 of his total 35 career NRL games.
Austin's manager, Tyran✓ Smith of Sportsplayer Management, also played at the Raiders between 2002-05. He felt Austin, who began his career at Penrith, was ready to step up to the responsibility of playing full-time five-eighth and could provide an x-factor in Canberra's attack.
"He's exceptional at playing what he sees, which is rare these days in such structured systems," Smith said. "He's explosive and skilful.
"100 per cent, this is a positive move for him. He's got a young family, he's looking forward to a big opportunity at the Raiders to take his game to the next level."
Smith said he did not discuss Austin with new Wests Tigers coach Jason Taylor, but the club had been keen to keep him.
"That's why it took so long, I didn't actually speak to Jason, but the club was keen to keep him," Smith said. "But the opportunity to be coached by Ricky Stuart in a side with some young players coming through, it was too good to miss.
"His goal is to establish himself as a five-eighth. There's no guarantees, but he will work hard to do what it takes."
The Tigers have released Austin and prop James Gavet - to the Brisbane Broncos - in the past two days.
"Both players have made it abundantly clear that they saw their future elsewhere and therefore we had no hesitation in granting their release," Tigers coach Taylor said.
"We understand that Wests Tigers supporters will be disappointed in their decision but it gives the club an opportunity to review the playing roster for the coming years. We're committed to building a strong club for the future and need to be sure that the players join me on this journey."
