Even rival Canberra halfback Sam Williams admits Gold Coast recruit Aidan Sezer can add another dimension to the Raiders' attack in 2016.
But Williams is determined not to be relegated to the Canberra outer by the ex-Titans pivot.
Williams got to size up his opposition early when Canberra became the first team to return from the off-season on Monday.
He quickly focused on Sezer who is tipped to leapfrog Williams and partner Dally M Five-eighth of the Year Blake Austin in the halves in the 2016 NRL first round.
Williams admitted Sezer was an exciting option for the Raiders.
"He's got a really good left boot. Blake and I are right footers so it adds a different dynamic to our game," he said.
"I am sure his long left boot will come into play a little bit throughout the year.
"It (Sezer's signing) really puts the pressure on everyone to perform.
"We come here early in the pre-season to try and prove why we should be in the team."
Williams was knocked back when he asked to be released to the Titans with a year left on his contract after the Raiders signed Sezer.
Now he's bracing himself for an off-season of Raiders halves pairing speculation thanks to Sezer's arrival.
"I just said to someone 'we've got another few months of these questions' but we are lucky to have him here at the club," he said.
"I am excited about the chance to challenge myself, learn about Aidan and his game and try and push each other so we can be in the best position we can be come round one."
Williams shrugged when asked if it was weird returning to training in October.
They had seven weeks off after their 28-24 NRL win over Parramatta on September 6.
NRL champions North Queensland are still holding their tour of regional areas celebrating their 2015 premiership success.
"To be successful next year we have to be back this time of the year," Williams said.
"We've got a few months to work with Aidan.
"There's no reason why we can't start the season really strong, hit the ground running."
Share
