Raiders release Aidan Sezer to join English Super League side Huddersfield Giants
The Canberra Raiders have been reminded of the price of success in the NRL, with salary cap demands forcing the loss of a second star player in a matter of weeks.
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The Canberra Raiders have released star playmaker Aidan Sezer to join English Super League side, the Huddersfield Giants.
Sezer had one more season remaining with the 2019 grand finalists but he was allowed to walk away from his contract to link-up with the Giants on a two-year deal.
There had been rumours surrounding Sezer’s future in the nation’s capital after coach Ricky Stuart signed Englishman and half George Williams for three years beginning in 2020 back in July.
Williams and five-eighth Jack Wighton are now Stuart’s likely first-choice halves pairing for next season.
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In a statement from his new club Sezer revealed he was “relieved” to put the speculation behind him.
"It's been a drawn out process for most of the year, but to have it all done is a great relief. Joining up with Simon [Woolford] and the boys will be a relief – obviously it was a disappointing campaign last year for the Giants but the ambition of the club and the group is exciting. I'm really looking forward to get over there and have a successful campaign in 2020,” Sezer said.
Giants coach, former Raiders hooker Simon Woolford, said Sezer’s addition will add invaluable experience to his side which finished 10th, only two places from relegation, in 2019
“Everyone knows he was my preferred pick in the crucial half back area but to get a current NRL grand finalist over here in the prime of his career really is a massive boost for the Giants and the game as a whole,” Woolford said.
“His running game I think will complement the people around him and above all he is from a winning environment at Canberra and having enjoyed such a stellar season last year can bring a lot of that toughness and win at all costs mentality that successful teams need.”
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The news of Sezer’s departure comes after salary cap constraints forced winger Jordan Rapana out of the club. Rapana signed a one-year deal with Japanese rugby powerhouse Panasonic Wild Knights in October.
But the Raiders are expected to announce their own signing news in the coming weeks. It’s understood Melbourne Storm centre Curtis Scott has agreed to terms to join the Raiders from season 2020 and beyond.
Sezer played 155 games in the NRL and made his debut back in 2012 for the Gold Coast Titans