Aidan Sezer: NRL return looms with Leeds Rhinos star off-contract

Aidan Sezer’s departure from Leeds Rhinos is inching ever closer, with the half-back reportedly set for a return to the NRL with Wests Tigers.

Sezer is off-contract at the end of the season, and though unconfirmed by either club just yet, speculation continues to grow over the playmaker’s future with The Sydney Morning Herald reporting that the 32-year-old is set for a move back home in 2024.

Sezer will link up with Wests, who are currently headed up by former Hull KR and Widnes Vikings head coach Tim Sheens.

That comes despite rumours that Sheens’ own future could be in doubt, along with a feud between assistant coach Benji Marshall and recruitment boss Scott Fulton.

It should be said that the feud is now believed to be settling down following a ‘crisis’ meeting between the pair, and chairman Lee Hagipantelis, earlier today.

Sezer ready to say goodbye to Leeds

Providing the move does happen as planned, despite all the ongoings in the background, Sezer will bring an end to a two-year stint at Headingley.

Initially moving over to England and joining Huddersfield Giants ahead of 2020 after losing the NRL Grand Final with Canberra Raiders.

A two-year stint with the Giants followed, in which he played 25 times and debuted on the international front for the Combined Nations All Stars.

During his time with the Rhinos, he had an influential role in their run to last year’s Grand Final but was denied the opportunity to play in the showpiece event due to concussion protocols.

Another Old Trafford appearance in 2023 would be the perfect way to bow out, though after Friday night’s home defeat to Hull KR, Leeds have little room for error in their play-off hunt.

Leeds Rhinos chief keeping cards close to his chest

While the exit door looms large for Sezer, Leeds’ own recruitment for 2024 is going on in the background.

In recent weeks, we’ve seen teammate Blake Austin publicly voice his own wishes to remain at Headingley amidst contract negotiations with chief Gary Hetherington.

And elsewhere, it’s been rumoured that hooker Danny Levi could be set for a return to Super League with the Rhinos. The 26-year-old is currently plying his trade in the NRL with Canberra, suffering a broken jaw in a reserve cup game which is set to keep him out for the remainder of 2023.

Rhinos head coach Smith refused to respond to speculation, saying: “I’m not sure about reports so that’s a question I can’t answer.

“Those conversations are to be had behind closed doors and if Aidan’s got an announcement to make he can make that but from our point of view we’ll talk behind closed doors.”

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