The Mole: Blake Austin close to joining English club Warrington

English club Warrington is close to signing classy Raiders five-eighth Blake Austin for next season.

Austin was dropped by the Raiders for this weekend’s clash with the Canterbury Bulldogs and there has been speculation for weeks that he is set to quit the Raiders.

Warrington is on the lookout for a talented playmaker after WWOS revealed recently that former Knights star Tyrone Roberts was set to leave the club.

A versatile footballer who can play five-eighth, fullback, halfback, centre, hooker and lock, Austin has played Test football for Portugal and has also represented City Origin.

At 27, he still has plenty of good football in him and should be a good buy for Warrington, one of the glamour clubs of English football.

Several Sydney clubs were interested in his services but it is believed a long-term deal at Warrington will prove the decisive factor.