‘Building for our future’: Tigers sign veteran half to help develop club’s young playmakers

The Wests Tigers continue to bolster their halves stocks after they signed a playmaker with grand final experience.

Aidan Sezer is returning to the NRL after he signed a one-year deal to join the Tigers. Picture; Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images

The Wests Tigers have signed another playmaker for 2024 with former Raiders halfback Aidan Sezer set to join the club on a one-year deal.

Sezer spent eight seasons in the NRL before he moved to the English Super League in 2020 where he has spent time with Huddersfield and Leeds.

Aidan Sezer will return to the NRL next year after a stint in the Super League. Picture; AAP Image/Lukas Coch

The 32-year-old has been signed to help nurture young halves Latu Fainu and Jayden Sullivan who have both recently signed long-term deals to join the club.

The Tigers desperately needed some experience given Luke Brooks and Daine Laurie are both leaving at the end of the year, while five-eighth Adam Doueihi will miss a large chunk of the 2024 campaign as he recovers from another knee injury.

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

“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.”

The Tigers hope Sezer will help the club’s new halves develop next year, with Jayden Sullivan also set to join them in 2024. Picture; Matt King/Getty Images

Sezer’s last NRL game was the 2019 Grand Final, and the Tigers are hoping he can at least get them back into top eight contention as they stare down the barrel of a likely second consecutive wooden spoon.

“It’s great that Aidan has decided to return to the NRL with us,” Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe said.

“On behalf of the club, I welcome Aidan and his family to Wests Tigers.”