Blake Austin, a former NRL playmaker with experience across multiple top-tier teams, has confirmed he will join the Berkeley Vale Panthers for the 2025 season after spending 2024 with the Entrance Tigers in the Central Coast Division Rugby League.
Austin, who made his NRL debut in 2011, played 122 games for the Penrith Panthers, Wests Tigers, and Canberra Raiders over eight seasons. He then made a successful move to the Super League, where he represented both Portugal and Great Britain. Austin played a pivotal role in Leeds Rhinos’ run to the 2022 Super League Grand Final, although they were ultimately defeated by St Helens RLFC.
Having returned to Australia this year to play for the Entrance Tigers, Austin’s next chapter will see him sign with the Berkeley Vale Panthers, where he will not only serve as a marquee player but also take on a key role as the club’s Junior Development Mentor. In this capacity, Austin will work closely with the Panthers’ future talent, helping to guide and nurture the next generation of players.
The Panthers, who finished 10th in the Central Coast competition this season with a record of four wins from 18 matches, will be hoping Austin’s experience and leadership can help drive the team forward in 2025.
The move marks a significant step in Austin’s career and all but confirms that a return to the NRL is unlikely, particularly after speculation linking him to a move to the Wests Tigers last year. The Tigers eventually signed former teammate Aidan Sezer, as well as Manly Sea Eagles’ Latu Fainu and Jayden Sullivan.
Austin’s shift to Berkeley Vale marks the end of his NRL aspirations for now and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.