iSelect Gold Coast Titans playmaker Aidan Sezer is keen to re-ignite one of rugby league’s most dangerous combinations in the club’s final pre-season trial against the North Queensland Cowboys in Toowoomba on Saturday night.
Sezer was wrapped in cotton wool after a hamstring concern while preparing for a trial match against the Warriors recently in New Zealand. That concern kept him out of last weekend’s inaugural Nines tournament.
However he says he is now ready for action.
“I was disappointed to miss the Warriors trial and the Nines, but obviously there is a bigger picture and a season to be played,’’ he said.
“There was no tear just some tightness after the Captain’s Run before the Warriors trial and the physios have to tick all the boxes and it wasn’t quite right. I just didn’t pull up too well after a running session.
“So now I am just concentrating on the season ahead. You don’t want to risk injury at this time of the season.
“We have a field session tomorrow and as long as I come out of that alright I should be right to go.”
Sezer has been a revelation since debuting for the Titans in 2012. The complete five-eighth oozes class and is considered a future club leader.
His combination with electric halfback Albert Kelly was the highpoint of 2013 for the Titans faithful and that combination is expected to blossom even further in 2014.
“Hopefully I can get a run this weekend, we can put out our strongest squad and shape up before the season starts (against the Sharks in Round One),’’ he said.
“It is very important that Albie (Albert Kelly) and I get a good run together (this Saturday night). So hopefully Albie pulls up well after the weekend and we can both get a run.”
Sezer aims to concentrate more on his own game this season.
“I learnt a lot in 2013. In my first year I came in under Scott Prince, who is a very experienced player and I didn’t have much responsibility.
“Last year Albie was coming back after a year out and I had more responsibility. I had to worry more about the team than myself and I think that let my game down.
“Hopefully this year I can worry about my game more.”
Sezer would not be drawn on the possible make-up of the Titans outside backs with exciting acquisitions Maurice Blair and Brad Tighe pushing for selection.
“I have not looked too far into who will comprise the backline,’’ he said.
“But obviously we have some quality centres. They are all training well and putting their best foot forward. But all I am doing is worrying about my role in the team and all the stuff will look after itself.”
Sezer says there are some crucial differences between the Titans of last year and the 2014 model.
“We have had Neil Henry come on board and he has implemented a lot,’’ he said.
“We have put a lot of emphasis on where we can improve and that will be showcased this season. We have to perform consistently week-in, week-out and that is where we let ourselves down last year. We will be kicking on come finals time.
“That’s why this trial is very important, building momentum towards the start of the season. The Cowboys are one of the top sides. Hopefully they will field a strong team and we can test ourselves and see where we stand.”
