Austin and Sezer have had plenty of time to get to know each other as they rehabilitate their shoulders together after post-season surgery, and their chats have already turned to how they will steer the Green Machine.

Gold Coast recruit Sezer often reminds Austin of the day he helped Canterbury's Harold Matthews under-16 side beat Austin's Penrith in the 2007 grand final.

Fast forward eight years and the classy duo have eyes on helping Canberra break its 22-year premiership drought.

"He's a pretty cheeky fella which makes him pretty easy to get along with and we spend a lot of time together in rehab," Austin said.

"It's a real positive to come out of a negative situation I suppose. We've already started to talk footy in the gym and it's going well.

"I've watched Aidan since he was young, we've played a lot of footy against each other and I've respected him for a long time.

"He beat me in Harold Matts grand final in extra time actually, he always reminds me of that."

This time last year Austin was offloaded by Wests Tigers and was untested as a long term prospect in the no.6 jersey.

He ended his first year in Canberra as the Dally M five eighth of the year and doesn't shy away from the fact he has earmarked breaking into State of Origin as a major goal next season.

The drums were beating for Austin to break into the Blues side this year, with many experts of the belief his dynamic running game would create x-factor off the bench.

"Everyone says they want to play Origin, but you know when you're close enough to have it as a realistic goal," Austin said.

"It will definitely be one of mine, and everything that happened last year means nothing now.

"The best thing is my game isn't quite where I want it to be yet. If I can really strengthen my passing and kicking game, I think I can go to the next level.

He hopes Sezer, one of the best kickers and organisers in the business, can help in those areas.

"Without a doubt. Aidan knows that [direction] is what he's here to do and one thing I learned this year is I can't palm that off solely to the other half.

"I have to chip in and make sure there's variation there."

Sezer has had a long running relationship with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart, even since he chose him in a NSW Emerging Squad when he was Blues coach.

Not since a young Terry Campese and Todd Carney were tearing defences apart eight years ago have Raiders fans been as excited about a playmaking duo.

But Sezer insisted he's not listening to the outside hype.

"I'm the hardest marker of myself and I know what I'm capable of, I don't read into that too much to be honest," he said.

"I like Rick because he's a direct character and lets you know where you stand, it's one thing which enticed me to come down to Canberra.

"As long as you know where you stand you always appreciate that as a player, knowing the job you have to do.

"Obviously 'Austo' had a great year last year and the young spine, with [hooker Josh] Hodgson and Jack Wighton at the back, there's a lot of potential there."

Sezer's main motive for leaving Queensland was for him and his wife Raziye to be closer to their Sydney based family.

Asked if he had mulled over any offers from Sydney clubs, Sezer said: I guess that's irrelevant at the moment, I'm here for the next three years and I'm happy with where I'm at.

"It was my initial decision to come here to take the next step in my career and progress as a half.

"I definitely think it's the right surroundings for me to play my best footy."