Semi Radradra injures knee in Parramatta Eels’ win over Roosters

NOT for the first time this season, all eyes will be fixed on Semi Radradra after the Eels winger was struck down by injury.

NOT for the first time this season, all eyes will be fixed on Semi Radradra.

The Fijian flyer lasted all of eight minutes before he hobbled from the field clutching his left knee in Parramatta’s clash with the Roosters.

The initial prognosis from club officials was a medial ligament strain.

Scans on Saturday will give a clearer idea of just how long Radradra will be sidelined.

If Parramatta are to make an unlikely charge to the finals, they desperately need Radradra terrorising blokes on the left wing.

Only Corey Norman is more vital.

No rivals have been able to stop Radradra.

But it was a sorry sight when he immediately clutched at his left knee after being caught low by Sydney Roosters’ skipper Jake Friend, high by Isaac Liu, then finished off by a decent shot from Jared Waerea-Hargreaves.

Semi Radradra hobbles off the field injured. Picture: Mark Evans

Radradra had his knee strapped, but could barely run.

He lasted two more minutes, and as the Roosters raced down field, Radradra took himself to the sideline and laid down in pain in front of stunned Eels fans sitting in the Mick Cronin Stand.

The same Parramatta supporters only a few weeks ago were wondering if Radradra would even return from Fiji.

The injury capped a nightmare week for Radradra who also fronted court _ no more than 500m away from Pirtek Stadium _ where he pleaded not guilty to domestic assault charges.

Semi Radradra’s night was cut short by a knee injury. Picture: Mark Evans

While Radradra’s night ended with him being assisted from the field by two trainers, fellow Parramatta winger Bevan French had an equally tough game.

The baby-faced French had racked up seven tries in his first four games.

He should have had an eighth when a final pass from Manu Ma’u was harshly ruled forward. He did well to plant the ball down in the corner.

But that was one of the few highlights for the baby-faced kid from Tingha.

French took an intercept and raced 90m, only to be shoved into touch by Joseph Manu just before the tryline.

Bevan French was dened a try by Joseph Manu’s tackle. Picture: Mark Evans

The rookie was also targeted in defence where he was peppered with probably not enough high balls from the Roosters.

Two that did come down for the much taller Daniel Tupou led to tries for Boyd Cordner and Latrell Mitchell.

French is a star who will be better for it.

Radradra is a star whose knee will hopefully be better.