Semi Radradra’s situation is more complicated than most

SEMI Radradra’s state and national eligibility is a confusing scenario, but one Fijian has a simple solution if he ever lines up against the big winger.

Parramatta's Semi Radradra makes a break during the round 3 NRL game between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium,Homebush.Picture Gregg Porteous

ELONI Vunakece has a simple answer to the vexed question of Semi Radradra playing for Australia: “I’ll just have to smash him if I play against him”.

Radradra’s would-be teammates and the Bati’s coach Rick Stone have waded into the debate about the representative future of the Parramatta winger, forced to deny via his club he wanted out of the NRL over the issue.

The 23-year-old is eligible to play for Australia on residency grounds, but not for NSW, because he didn’t live in the state before the age of 13.

“Fijians like to play for Fiji,” said Stone. “The balance needs to be the opportunity to play for the Blues if they’re good enough, possibly down the track. I’m not sure exactly how that should go, that’s for the decision-makers to choose.

“There is definitely a financial reward (in playing for Australia). Me and Loz (Vunakece) were talking about it — Semi’s probably the best winger in the game at the moment. He’s got to be up there.

“He’s performing well week-in, week-out. That’s a fair indication of how he’s going.”

NSW and Queensland currently demand that players make themselves available for Australia in order to take part in Origin — even though the RLIF does not recognise state representation.

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While removing this requirement would not impact Radradra, it would affect many others including Michael Jennings, Will Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Andrew Fifita (all Tonga), Robbie Farah (Lebanon), Aidan Guerra (Italy) and Josh McGuire (Samoa).

Sydney Roosters utility Vunakece said: “I’d love to see (Radradra) in the Fijian sky blue, but if he has to be the sky blue of NSW so be it.

“We’d love to see him play for us but if he goes on to play for Australia then good on him. He deserves it. He’s the best in the world at what he does.”

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Originally published as Semi Radradra’s situation is more complicated than most