BRONCS HAIL SEZER
Raiders star open to move
AIDAN Sezer is open to an offer from the Brisbane Broncos as NRL and Super League clubs target Canberra’s grand-final halfback amid speculation he could be squeezed out by the Raiders.
The Broncos have shown some interest in Sezer but have indicated they will not get into a bidding war with UK suitors Wigan and Huddersfield for his signature.
Despite having steered the Raiders to their first grand final in 25 years, former Titans playmaker Sezer has been buffeted by speculation Sunday night’s decider could be his last game in the limegreen jumper.
While Sezer is contracted for next season, there are fears he could be unseated by boom British prospect George Williams, who will join the Green Machine next season from Wigan.
The man who manages Sezer, player agent Sam Ayoub, also handles the affairs of Brisbane duo Anthony Milford and Tom Dearden and believes the trio could form a well-balanced play-making spine at the Broncos.
“Aidan has proven he’s a quality playmaker and he’s the sort of half or five-eighth who would work very well with Tom Dearden at the Broncos,” Ayoub said.
“At this stage, Aidan is happy at Canberra, but in saying that the market can change quickly and the off-season can present offers and opportunities.
“We’ve had some approaches and they are genuine expressions of interest.
“I won’t name the clubs out of respect to them but there are clubs in the NRL and overseas that have made inquiries.”
The Broncos have held preliminary talks with Storm halfback Brodie Croft but Melbourne have stated they will not provide a cent towards a subsidised deal as part of an early release.
Broncos legend Darren Lockyer, a member of Brisbane’s recruitment-and-retention commitment, is a fan of Sezer’s left-foot kicking game and ability to provide direction.
“Sezer was in and out of the Canberra team at the start of the year but he’s always been good defensively,” Lockyer said.
“He is making good decisions in games. His organisation has really improved.”
Sezer has previously lived in Queensland, playing 71 games in four seasons for the Titans, only to quit the club at the end of 2015 amid uncertainty over the Gold Coast’s future.
“He was a little bit uncomfortable with where the Titans were going,” Ayoub said.
“The Titans were keen to keep Aidan but the Raiders showed strong interest and he was keen to test himself at Canberra.”