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Parramatta chief executive Bernie Gurr has assured Eels fans that Semi Radradra will be at the NRL club in 2017.
Confusion reigns over the star winger’s future after French rugby powerhouse Toulon claimed to have secured his signature for the 2017-18 Top 14 season.
The Fijian-born 24-year-old returned to Australia from Nadi on Tuesday evening ahead of an expected appearance at a Sydney court over domestic violence charges.
“The thing for our club is he’s contracted through to the 31st of October, 2017,” Gurr told Sky Sports Radio on Wednesday.
“So, mate, he’ll be with us in ’17.
“I spoke to Semi’s manager. He definitively said that no contract’s been signed.”
Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal on Monday insisted Radradra’s move was sealed after he signed a one-year contract with an optional second year.
Radradra’s manager George Christodoulou was quick to deny the deal was done, saying Toulon had “jumped the gun” in declaring the signature.
Gurr was also critical of Boudjellal.
“It sounds like he went off a bit early, quite frankly,” Gurr said.
“I know he (Radradra) had an offer and I spoke to his management about this.
“And the reason they were pursuing that (Toulon move) was really sort of a back-up plan just in case they needed that later in the year.
“But of course that’s later in the year. Their competition doesn’t start until August.”
Radradra refused to answer any questions from the waiting media upon arrival in Sydney after flying out of Fiji where he was visiting his sick father.
He failed to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Monday to answer three charges of domestic violence brought by his former partner Perina Ting, angering the magistrate who threatened to issue a warrant for his arrest unless he presented to the court.
His matter is set down for a mention at Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday morning.
Gurr refused to speculate on the impact of the matter on Radrada’s playing future, saying the club was in “constant dialogue” with the NRL integrity unit.
“The key thing over the last couple of days has been, number one, to get Semi back in the country and, number two, today to face the court,” Gurr said.
“So that has absolutely been the priority, to respect that legal process.
“This is a very serious issue.
“We are concerned, but the reality is it’s a legal issue now and we just have to support that process and see where it goes.”
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