Semi Radradra still in Fiji, manager says he will face Sharks on Saturday

SEMI Radradra will remain in Fiji until the end of the week but will play on Saturday, his manager claims. Meanwhile, Kieran Foran has turned up to Eels training following his dumping as club captain.

Semi Radradra remains in Fiji after not getting on a flight last night. Picture: Mark Evans

SEMI Radradra will remain in Fiji until the end of the week but will still take his place on the field in Parramatta’s Saturday clash against the Sharks, his manager claims.

Player agent George Christodoulou sent the following text message to the Daily Telegraph this morning following days of speculation as to whether the Fijian star would show at Eels training this morning.

“I want to inform you that Semi won’t be at training today as previously expected,” Christodoulou wrote.

Semi Radradra remains in Fiji after not getting on a flight last night. Picture: Mark Evans

“He failed to get on his flight last night and is still in Fiji.

“(Eels coach) Brad (Arthur) has subsequently given him an extra couple days off to remain in Fiji with his family.

He will still be taking his place in the team against the Sharks this weekend.

Semi remains committed to the Eels for the remainder of his current contract expiring in 2017 and will not be going to French rugby or anywhere else whilst under contract.”

Radradra’s teammates, meanwhile, have showed up to Eels training in Parramatta this morning including ex-skipper Kieran Foran.

Kieran Foran at Parramatta Eels training following his dumping as captain. Picture: Mark Evans

The former Manly star was dumped as club captain yesterday and served a breach notice for failing to complete his injury rehabilitation. The Eels have also put Foran on an alcohol ban and fined him $5000 as Brad Arthur expressed frustration with the outside influences directing his recovery.

The message from Radradra’s manager follows revelations the Eels are expected to put a $700,000 roadblock in front of Semi Radradra and his French rugby dream.

Club officials are expected to play hardball with the winger should he seek an immediate release, letting their marquee man go only if he is prepared to pay $500,000.

That figure is what he stands to earn in the final four months of this season and next season’s contract. The club would also want a further $200,000 for damages to the club’s brand.

No sign of Semi Radradra as players gather at Parramatta Eels training at the Old Saleyard reserve North Parramatta. Picture: Mark Evans

The Daily Telegraph revealed yesterday Radradra stood to earn $35,000 a match tax-free with French rugby club Bordeaux, who had tabled him a one-year deal.

But even with the generous French tax breaks, any Bordeaux move could leave Radradra out of pocket if Parramatta stand by their exit demands.

The NRL confirmed if Radradra walked out on the Eels, the $500,000 owed to him would be exempt from their salary cap. If Bordeaux paid an unlikely transfer fee, that money would also be excluded from the cap.

Parramatta would have the option to pursue damages through the courts if things became ugly.

A breach notice is likely to be served on Radradra once he returns from Fiji.

Semi Radradra has been keeping fit at the National Fitness Centre in Suva, Fiji. Picture: Nathan Edwards

####