He's being heralded as the signing to help transform Gold Coast's playing roster but Titans five-eighth Aidan Sezer says the arrival of Manly superstar Daly Cherry-Evans next year won't influence the decision on his own future.
Now in his fourth year at the Titans, Sezer is off contract at the end of the season and has reportedly attracted interest from a number of other NRL clubs, including Cherry-Evans's current club, Manly.
But while the signature of Cherry-Evans is expected to pave the way for the Titans to add further top-shelf stars to their organisation, Sezer said the exciting announcement has no impact on a decision he hopes to resolve sooner rather than later.
"It's pretty awesome for the club to get a player of Daly's calibre," Sezer said.
"Obviously playing against him a few times I know what sort of player he is. He's an incumbent Maroons half and also played for Australia at the end of last year so it's a coup for the club but it doesn't impact my future at all.
"I'm just concentrating week by week on performing for the Titans and whichever way the ball falls I'll face it when it comes.
"I don't want it to drag out too long but in saying that, it's a big year for myself and hopefully I can string a few good performances together and get something done, whether that's here or somewhere else. Just keep performing and hopefully get it done sooner rather than later."
Buoyed by the financial security that comes with ownership by the NRL, the Titans had their dreams realised on Friday night when it was confirmed Cherry-Evans was leaving the Sea Eagles at season's end to move to the Gold Coast.
The pursuit of his signature had become one of the most discussed sideshows of the pre-season and Titans coach Neil Henry said the confirmation of his move will allow both clubs to focus on the next 25 weeks of the regular season.
"It's a feather in the cap for the board in what they've done to get him up here but that's done and dusted now," Henry said.
"He can get on with his football at Manly and we get on with our football here. But it's something to think about for the future and that's a real positive for our fans and for our club and the Queensland supporter base."
On face value a halves combination of Cherry-Evans and the highly-regarded Sezer would appear to be a nice fit and the 23-year-old indicated that he would like to be part of the next phase of the Titans.
"This is my fourth year here now so the colours have grown on me and I want to see this club doing well," Sezer said.
"With all due respect to Daly, it's a big signing for the club and he's a high-profile player but it's irrelevant in terms of this year. I think it's good for the fans to bring a player of his calibre here but it is irrelevant now.
"It's only Round 1 here and this group has a big opportunity to play good footy this year and that's all I want to do, to deliver some pride back in the jersey.
"I've been here for a few years now and I'm really passionate about the club and I want to do well this year with this group of players."
