He was linked to NRL clubs but it is a Super League that has snared the signature of Blake Austin, with the Canberra Raiders utility joining the Warrington Wolves.
The three-year deal will begin for the 2019 season and during his time at the Raiders, Austin has had his ups and downs.
Joining the club in 2015, he immediately impressed and went on to win the 2015 Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year Award.
Since then, he has, at times, struggled to replicate that form, eventually leading to his moving in and out of first-grade.
Despite those inconsistencies, Austin praised the Raiders for the last four years he has spent at the club.
“I’d like to thank Ricky, Don and the club for presenting me and my family with the opportunities they have over the past four years,” Austin said.
“Thanks to my team mates and the Canberra members and fans for embracing me as one of their own.”
Although the move is confirmed, the Raiders are still in the finals hunt and Austin wants to play at his best to help them make it.
“I hope to be remembered as a guy that gave his all in green,” the utility continued.
“I look forward to playing the best footy I can for the remainder of the 2018 season.”
The Wolves are pleased to have signed someone of his calibre, and he is a player that coach Steve Price has watched closely.
“I’ve watched Blake closely for a number of years over in the NRL and he’s a guy who, when you come to review the opposition, your game plan heavily revolves around which says a lot about the type of player he is,” the former NRL coach said.
Price continued with his praise for Austin, highlighting specific areas of his game.
“He has an outstanding running game and is always a threat with the ball in his hand,” continued Price.
“He’s a big body so hard to handle with electric footwork.
“I feel he is going to be a quality signing for our club and I’m excited to be able to work with Blake next year.”
With his move now confirmed, Austin is excited to experience the English culture and the Super League come 2019.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Warrington Wolves,” Austin said.
“No-one I’ve spoken to has had a bad word to say about the club.
“I’m stoked I get the chance to come over in what I believe can be the best years of my footy career, and not a cameo at the tail end of my career.”
Austin is looking forward to embracing his English experience and playing alongside his new team-mates.
“My partner and I have always wanted to experience England and the Super League, and can’t wait to embrace the Wolves and everything Warrington has to offer,” Austin continued.
“I look forward to working with Pricey and all the boys, with the goal of delivering silverware to the club.”