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Semi Radradra is a friendly, quietly spoken Fijian who just happens to be one helluva rugby league winger.
In fact, he is the best in the NRL and he wants to play with the best team in Australia, and that just happens to be the Kangaroos.
Suva-born, he’s also eligible to play for Fiji, and the knockers have had a field day suggesting he should play all his internationals with Fiji.
But Semi wants to be a Kangaroo, and he’s entitled to play where he’s eligible to play.
Realistically, there are only three world-class rugby league countries – New Zealand, Australia and England are ranked 1-2-3.
Samoa (4), France (5), Ireland (6), Fiji (7), Wales (8), Scotland (9) and the USA (10) are quality rugby countries where rugby league is a poor relation.
Fiji rugby league has played just 20 internationals in the Pacific Cup in 24 years, and only 15 internationals in 21 years in the Rugby League World Cup.
Radradra’s inclusion on the wing for Fiji wouldn’t raise the standard during the span of his career, and rarely would he see the ball.
Little wonder Semi sees his future in the Kangaroos, and he should be welcomed with open arms by the fans.
Another friendly, quietly spoken Suva-born Fijian Petero Civoniceva wasn’t slammed during his illustrious career of 45 Tests for the Kangaroos, nor was Akuila Uate during his five Kangaroo Tests.
There was no slamming of Lote Tuqiri’s 67 Wallaby caps, or Tevita Kuridrani’s 31, Radike Samo’s 23, or Henry Speight’s five Wallaby caps.
Why have the knockers singled out Radradra?
So leave him alone to make his richly deserved Kangaroo debut tonight in Newcastle against the Kiwis, who have beaten the Kangaroos in their last three encounters – 30-12 at Suncorp in 2014, 22-18 at Westpac in 2014, and 26-12 at Suncorp last year.
But this is a better Kangaroo side because Radradra is in it.
And welcomed by his new teammates.