Leeds Rhinos: Aidan Sezer secures NRL return with length of contract reported
Leeds Rhinos half-back Aidan Sezer has secured his NRL return with the Wests Tigers, reports in Australia claim.
The Daily Telegraph reported that the 32-year-old former Canberra Raiders playmaker has signed a one-year deal with the club, with an option for a second in 2025.
Sezer will link up with the NRL’s current bottom side, with just three wins all season from 20 rounds.
The veteran will replace outgoing Luke Brooks, who has penned a four-year deal with Manly Sea Eagles from the 2024 campaign.
Sezer has made 54 Super League appearances since his move to England initially with Huddersfield Giants, later joining Headingley Stadium ahead of the 2022 campaign.
Sezer made his professional debut with Gold Coast Titans before enjoying four years with Canberra Raiders between 2016 and 2019. He made 155 appearances in the NRL, scoring 26 tries,
He will bring a wealth of experience to the Tigers, who are also set to sign St George Illawarra Dragons half-back Jayden Sullivan.
The Wests Tigers are also reportedly keen on out-of-contract prop forward Luke Thompson, who looks set to be leaving Canterbury Bulldogs at the end of the season.
The England international is on a contract worth $800,000 per season, and has attracted interest from both sides of the globe.
Leeds Rhinos set for new half-back pairing
Sezer’s departure means head coach Rohan Smith will be searching for a new half-back combination for 2024, with Blake Austin having played his final game for the Rhinos.
Austin, 32, has joined Castleford Tigers on loan for the remainder of the season after not landing a new contract at Leeds.
Jack Sinfield has made seven Super League appearances to date at the age of just 18, but will need some experienced halves around him for the immediate future.
The side were reportedly interested in Newcastle Knights man Adam Clune, but have lost out to Huddersfield Giants, according to Examiner Live.
Another reported target in Lachlan Miller also looks set to remain in the NRL, forcing Leeds to go back into the market for their new playmakers.
Meanwhile forward Sam Walters will join Wigan Warriors on a three-year deal from next season, and winger Liam Tindall is also set to leave the club.
Zane Tetevano, James Bentley, James Donaldson and David Fusitu’a all remain off contract at the end of the season.
