Former Super League Star Blake Austin Signs for Berkeley Vale Panthers, Takes on Mentoring Role
Veteran half-back Blake Austin has returned to his native Australia, signing with the Berkeley Vale Panthers in the lower divisions while also taking on a mentoring role with the club.
The 33-year-old spent the 2025 season playing for the Entrance Tigers in the Central Coast Division Rugby League competition after a five-year stint in Super League with Warrington Wolves, Leeds Rhinos, and Castleford Tigers (on loan). Now, he will remain in the Central Coast Division but don the Panthers’ colors as their marquee first-grade player for the upcoming season, where he’ll have the opportunity to play alongside his children.
“With a wealth of experience and a passion for the game, Blake will be guiding our young players, helping them sharpen their skills and inspiring the next generation of Berkeley Vale Panthers talent.”
In addition to his on-field duties, Austin will also serve as a junior development mentor, using his wealth of experience to help nurture the next generation of Berkeley Vale Panthers talent. As the club’s statement read, he will be “guiding our young players, helping them sharpen their skills and inspiring the next generation of Berkeley Vale Panthers talent.”
The former Great Britain international has amassed over 230 career appearances, having played for Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, and Canberra Raiders in the NRL between 2011 and 2018 before making the move to Super League. He earned two caps for Great Britain in 2019, qualifying through his English grandmother, and was also part of England’s squad for the Rugby League World Cup 9s that same year.
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