Canberra recruit Aidan Sezer says a desire to be closer to family and a strong relationship with Ricky Stuart were the main factors in signing a three-year deal with the Raiders.
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Speaking for the first time about his move at a Gold Coast press conference, the playmaker was reluctant to elaborate on his decision, keen to focus on his final season with the Titans.
"I get along with [Raiders coach] Ricky [Stuart] pretty good and I know a few of the other boys down there," Sezer said.
"I don't want to talk about it too much because I'm still at the Titans, and I have a job to do up here.
"There's a lot of positive things [with Canberra] for me and I made that decision for those reasons."
Sezer is in his fourth year at the Titans and has established himself as their key ball player at five-eighth.
He is likely to shift to halfback at the Raiders in partnership with pivot Blake Austin, although the 23-year-old already plays a number seven-type role.
Sezer has been in strong form to start his final year at the Titans and said it's a weight off his shoulders his future has been resolved.
"It's good to get it out of the way and have clarity for my future," he said.
"Also [its good] for the Titans, the boys and the fans to know what I'm doing, because you don't want that cloud hanging over you for too long.
"It was a tough decision, moving back home closer to family was the main factor for me.
"I've enjoyed my time up here but that's footy, there's a lot of things that went into my decision to move on.
"I've been up here a few years now and see myself as one of the senior boys, but I have to do what's best for myself and my family, and that was to move down south and be closer to them."
Sezer proved his impending departure won't be a distraction by leading the Titans to an impressive 38-16 upset win at Parramatta on Saturday.
His signing casts significant doubt over the future of youngster Mitch Cornish, who was Stuart's first-choice halfback for the opening month of the season before being dropped for Sam Williams.
It is understood the Goulburn's products management has already started to approach other clubs.
Manly, who attempted to lure Sezer as a replacement for the outgoing Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran, has been touted as an option, as has Parramatta.
The Raiders have also signed English international back-rower Elliott Whitehead for next year and club officials have indicated they hope to announce more signings in coming weeks.
