iSelect Titans five-eighth Aidan Sezer is the latest to search for a new degree in his sports career, with plans to study a Bachelor of Business course at Griffith University.
Sezer, who attended an induction and welfare night at the university last week, is among 22 Titans players currently studying or about to start courses at Griffith University, with three more undergoing university degrees at other campuses. This emphasises the awakening in professional sports, and certainly the National Rugby League, that tertiary education and a healthy sport-life balance is a key to success.
Sezer, along with Titans forwards Matt Srama and Ryan James, are among the NRL squad who are pursuing Bachelor of Business degrees with Ryan’s major being sports management, while Matt and Aidan are will combine real estate and property development, after completing modules in sports and event management.
Several of the Titans’ National Youth Competition (Holden Cup) players also enrolled at Griffith, including Jackson Clarke (Bachelor of Science), Sam Harrold (Bachelor of Health Science), Mitchell Sharp (Bachelor of Nursing), plus Zac Spring, Brett Stratton, George McCormick, Jaiden Hawkes and Rory Humphreys who are all doing Bachelor of Exercise Science.
"It is great to have 20 Titans players studying at Griffith University,” said Griffith Sports College manager Duncan Free. “Having a balanced life whilst playing elite level sport is, I believe, crucial to a long and successful sport career. Furthermore, by gaining a degree, our footballers secure a career after football."
James, who is also an NRL education ambassador, said he was delighted there are so many young players taking up an opportunity to enrol at university and take advantage of the financial support provided by the Titans and the NRL education grants program. He is hoping to do post-graduate studies with a Masters degree or another degree.
“It had definitely helped my football by having something else I have to concentrate on and occupy my mind and time away from training and playing,” he said. “I’m thankful for the club’s encouragement and the flexibility and support Griffith uni gives me and the educational grants provided to players across all clubs. It’s a great scheme.”
The Titans have the highest number of players of any NRL club’s National Youth Competition teams studying at university which underpins the association with Griffith University that dates back to when the club was established and became the first of its kind in Australian professional sport.
CAPTION: (from left): Young Titans Macauley Dawson, Shaun Hudson, Sam Swift, Anthony Coleman and Aidan Sezer at the Griffith University induction night.
