Wests Tigers sign Blake Austin and Cory Paterson

I'll take a quick punt 25mins out and say: Cory Patterson and Nathan Gardner who are both off contract, would rather Gardner over Austin tbh, let's wait and see :stuck_out_tongue:
 
![](http://www.rugbyleague.com.au/newsletter/2011/images/WT_signings_07082013.jpg)

TWO NEW PLAYER SIGNINGS FOR WESTS TIGERS
Wests Tigers have today signed two players to strengthen its roster for 2014.
Former Australian Schoolboy and Penrith utility Blake Austin has agreed to a two-year deal.
Experienced second-rower Cory Paterson will return to the NRL after signing a one-year deal with the hope of proving his value by the end of next season.
Paterson, 26, is currently playing for Hull KR in the English Super League after previous NRL stints with the Newcastle Knights and Nth Qld Cowboys.
Wests Tigers Coach Mick Potter said both players will be very good additions to the NRL squad.
“At 22, Blake is a player with plenty of potential. He has a wide range of skills and his utility value will add plenty of depth to the squad,’’ Potter said.
“He can cover centre, half, five-eighth and lock and is also an excellent goal kicker.
“Cory is a big strapping back-rower who can break the line and also offload the ball. He is an experienced NRL player who still has plenty to offer.
“He is playing very well for Hull KR but his wife is extremely homesick. Cory is coming back for a chance to re-establish himself in the NRL. His experience will be invaluable to some of our younger back-rowers.”

Blake Austin
DOB: 1/2/1991, Parramatta
Junior Club: Doonside
Position: Centre, half, five-eighth, lock
Height: 187cm
Weight: 98kg
Rep Honours: Nil
NRL Debut: Penrith v Canberra, Canberra Stadium, 27/8/11 (Rd 25)
NRL Career: 15 games, 2 tries, 8 goals, 24 points.

Cory Paterson
DOB: 14/7/1987, Perth
Junior Club: South Perth Lions
Position: Second Row
Height: 195cm, Weight: 101kg
Rep Honours: Indigenous All Stars (2010-12)
Previous Clubs: Newcastle (2007-11), North Queensland Cowboys (2011-12), Hull KR (2013)
NRL Debut: Newcastle v St George Illawarra, WIN Jubilee, Rd 2, 23/3/2007
NRL Career: 87 games, 26 tries, 12 goals, 128 points.
Hull KR: 14 games, 5 tries, 20 points.
Career: 101 games, 31 tries, 12 goals, 148 points
 
If you had a "source" claiming Peter Wallace, I would cut ties with them. Can't believe people actually thought we signed him.
 
There's no pleasing some people.

Austin's best position is the backrow. At 22 and near on 100kgs he still has filling out to do and has a frame that can carry a fair bit more weight. The best games I've seen from him have been in the back row. Backrow is where we need impact. He will provide it.

These two signings are quite pivotal from what I can see. Really shores up some weaknesses in our squad.
 
Good to hear,

I would like to know how much we are paying for Austin as he still
Has 2 yrs to run on his penrith contract, and its not on small dollars.

We might have picked him up real cheap.

Love the signing of Patterson, he actually has some mongrel.

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Surprising that they haven't mentioned Austin's ability in the backrow. They must have signed him as a centre and halves cover. Hopefully they don't overlook his ability in the backrow.

I am happy with both of these signings. They are both reasonably young. Paterson is only 26 and has always looked likely. Austin has huge potential.
 
Paterson will probably be Ok but I'm not sure about accepting a Penrith reject …....... especially if its Phil Gould doing the rejecting. Still he might help bolster the State Cup team.
 
@Knuckles said:
Paterson will probably be Ok but I'm not sure about accepting a Penrith reject …....... especially if its Phil Gould doing the rejecting. Still he might help bolster the State Cup team.

Thats the spirit!!

Listen, I;ll buy you a full size Luke Brooks poster when they produce one to replace your tatty benji one OK.

Cheer up :smiley:
 
Was it Austin who got banned for around 10 weeks last year for a high tackle?

Also has Paterson played any rep footy? He could provide good guidance to the young forwards.

Austin iirc was on Freddie's young players to watch list along with de belin. IMO Austin is too slow for the halves or back line though.

So many signings is good for next years anticipation.

Consistency is what we're looking for. Good luck to both players.

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@MacDougall said:
Surprising that they haven't mentioned Austin's ability in the backrow. They must have signed him as a centre and halves cover. Hopefully they don't overlook his ability in the backrow.

“He can cover centre, half, five-eighth and **lock** and is also an excellent goal kicker."

Looks like they have that covered mate :wink:
 
@tig_prmz said:
**Was it Austin who got banned for around 10 weeks last year for a high tackle?**

Also has Paterson played any rep footy? He could provide good guidance to the young forwards.

Austin iirc was on Freddie's young players to watch list along with de belin. IMO Austin is too slow for the halves or back line though.

So many signings is good for next years anticipation.

Consistency is what we're looking for. Good luck to both players.

_Posted using RoarFEED 2013_

Travis Burns I think u mean
 
@Knuckles said:
Paterson will probably be Ok but I'm not sure about accepting a Penrith reject …....... especially if its Phil Gould doing the rejecting. Still he might help bolster the State Cup team.

He cut us to pieces in rd 2 scoring 3 tries and 6/8 goals. Looked dangerous every time he touch the ball.
Good pick up IMO

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I think young Austin could develop into a player similar to Greg Bird. He's a versatile player so I think we'll get good value out of him.

Paterson has had quite the journey for his young age. If I remember correctly he has turned to the Muslim faith to deal with his issues which I believe included depression. He's capable of playing pretty good footy and being a pretty damaging player. Here's hoping he finds that football with us.

I wouldn't call either of them great singings. They could easily be the next Bodene Thompson or Pettybourne. Here's hoping they're impact and performances are a bit better then the both of them.

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