Leeds Rhinos: Lachlan Miller links re-emerge with long-term deal reportedly accepted; Aidan Sezer NRL return confirmed

Leeds Rhinos’ links to Lachlan Miller have re-emerged, while Aidan Sezer’s NRL return has been confirmed by the Wests Tigers.

Having reportedly expressed an interest in the Newcastle Knights playmaker earlier in July, it was suggested that Miller would instead opt to remain in Australia over a Super League move.

However, fresh reports from Down Under have now confirmed that the former Australia Olympic rugby union star is set to join the Headingley Stadium outfit from 2024 as Rohan Smith looks to replace both Sezer and Blake Austin, who looks to have played his final game for Leeds.

Newcastle Herald columnist and NRL reporter Barry Toohey says that a move is now ‘very likely’ despite his current club’s best efforts to retain the playmaker.

Meanwhile, renowned Australian journalist ‘The Mole’ has reported that Miller is set to make the move next year on a three-year deal, writing on the Wide World of Sports.

Having made the switch to rugby league last year with Cronulla Sharks, Miller joined the Knights this year as a full-back, with Kalyn Ponga moved to the halves.

However, the Queensland representative has since reverted back to his preferred position after a failed experiment, pushing Miller out of the NRL side and into the reserves.

He has made 11 appearances in the NRL so far in 2023, with a total tally of 18, while he has also featured in the New South Wales Cup on eight occasions this season.

Across the two competitions, he has produced nine try assists, four line breaks and three tries.

He is contracted with Newcastle Knights through until the end of 2025.

Aidan Sezer NRL return confirmed

Wests Tigers have officially confirmed the signing of veteran half Sezer from Leeds for the 2024 NRL season.

The 32-year-old represented Gold Coast Titans and Canberra Raiders, including a Grand Final appearance with the latter in 2019, before making the switch to Super League initially with Huddersfield Giants for 2020.

He joined the Rhinos ahead of the 2022 campaign and has made 36 appearances for the side to date, including three tries.

Wests Tigers assistant coach Benji Marshall, who will move into the head coaching role next season, says Sezer will bring a wealth of experience to the club who currently sit at the bottom of the NRL ladder with just four wins.

The side will lose Luke Brooks to Manly Sea Eagles next season, while they have already confirmed the signing of young half-back Jayden Sullivan on a long-term deal.

“We are very excited to have a player with Aidan’s experience and calibre to add to what we’re building for our future,” said Marshall.

“He’s a very good person and we look forward to what he can bring to our club on and off the field.

“His experience will complement our youth and he’ll help mentor our younger players, particularly in our spine.”

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