Semi Radradra joined Eels teammates on the last day of a Central Coast training camp
SEMI Radradra began the week with a court no-show, was announced to be leaving the NRL for French rugby, flew back into Australia to face court and - finally - yesterday rejoined the Eels to sweat it out.
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IF you needed to know why two teams on either side of the world desperately want a big say in Semi Radradra’s future, all you needed to do was head to the Central Coast on Thursday.
Radradra looked like a Fijian Adonis when he joined his Eels teammates for a punishing endurance session on the final day of a training camp on the Central Coast.
After a rollercoaster week that started in Fiji and included a brief stop at Parramatta Local Court, Radradra would have welcomed the hitout around the sand dunes at Soldiers Beach and steep surrounding backstreets.
With a blue shirt pulled tightly around his head, Radradra’s powerhouse frame stood out from his teammates as the mercury soared.
The 24-year-old ensured he get in top condition while at home in Fiji last week caring for his ill father.
Toulon rugby owner Mourad Boudjellal trumpeted Radradra’s signing for the 2017-18 season on Monday, even though no contract has been signed.
The deal was for one season, with another season in Radradra’s favour.
The Eels hit back by claiming they were not only intent on seeing Radradra fulfil his contract for next NRL season, but keeping him in the blue and gold long term.
Despite arriving in camp late on Wednesday, Radradra’s fitness was never in dispute, according to his teammates and even Eels coach Brad Arthur.
“He’s been training, he had the illness in his family, but he kept training over there (in Fiji),’’ Arthur told The Daily Telegraph.
Prop Tim Mannah added: “He trains hard and he’s a very good athlete.
“His physical condition was never in doubt when he came back from Fiji. He’s obviously got a bit going on, but it was good to see him come back, get back to training and a bit of a routine.’’
Radradra was due in court on Monday to face domestic violence charges involving his former partner Perina Ting.
With that case now set down for February 13, the winger’s playing future will remain murky.
Should he be found guilty, Radradra is likely to be rubbed out for the entire season by the NRL, which will force Parramatta to find a suitable replacement just 20 days out from their season opener against Manly.
What’s not in doubt is the fitness levels of the Eels.
They are also a resilient bunch after somehow surviving a disastrous 2016 campaign.
Before Thursday’s final run, there was a weights session before sunrise.
Clint Gutherson was again the standout in the endurance test, while Arthur acknowledged the overall benefits of being away in terms of building the team’s camaraderie.
“We’ve got some new faces, so it’s good to get away and do some hard training but still spend time together,’’ Arthur said.
“We finished off today with a good physical and mainly mental test. We’ll send them away for three days off now.’’
Originally published as Semi Radradra joined Eels teammates on the last day of a Central Coast training camp
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