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.
Kavvy
Guest
"UnAustralian" is such a redneck fallback catch cry bit anyway.. To say he wouldn't lift the standard of The Bati is nonsensical. Having a player of his ilk to learn from undoubtedly helps the other players grow. Ultimately the potential for Rugby League to grow internationally is perenially undermined by the game itself
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
How un-Australian of you.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Yes, that is because players from around the world and players with connections to other nations gravitate towards to playing in professional competitions in order to earn a livelihood. And you know, the NRL is a professional competition so...
nerval
Guest
What isn't who was talking about?
rebel
Guest
That's not what he's talking about.
nerval
Guest
France rugby league have defeated Australia & NZ more often than have Wales in union.
Johnno
Guest
Unlimited flip flooping should be allowed, even if it males a weaker Australia, but Aussies wouldn't want that. There draconian stance on state of origin loyalty, be loyal in exchange for big cash $, is bad for the game eg Milford stuff. Australia need to chill and make other countries stronger and them(Australia weaker) it's better for the game. Aussies have to stop just thinking about Australia, and help the other RL countries more.
White Sox
Guest
David lord likes to go against the flow because get this...........hits on his name and articles gets attention. This guy sold out along time ago!!! His opinion is now irrelevant, sad really because he used to be middle interesting.
ChubbzyK96
Guest
Smith is Brisbane born and raised as far as i know, but I get your point!
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Agree. It's a meaningless criticism that shows you haven't actually got a logical or coherent argument. Lowest common denominator stuff.
soapit
Guest
thing is it always has, people have always moved countries for one reason or another and history is littered with dual nation people. only difference now is that the money involved means that moving just to represent a country could be the main reason instead of a by product.
spruce moose
Guest
So, what's an Australian Darwin? I'm dying to hear your thoughts on this.
Geoff Evans
Guest
Any player should not be allowed to play for a country unless he has been naturilised and has a passport of that country. Radradra only has a passport from Fiji and as far as I know Tamou also does not have an Australian passport. The reports say that he was going to be naturilised but reneged because he said it would cost too much. ( $1000 ) On his wage you would think he could afford that much.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Stop telling me what is and what isnt 'un-Australian'.
Max
Guest
The State of Origin has botched eligibility rules so why wouldn't internationals...
clipper
Guest
Wales is often better than France, so there goes your argument.
PNG Broncos fan88
Guest
All I'm saying is that if your forebears are of a different heritage or ancestry than the original inhabitants of the country - what right does it give you to question the eligibility wishes of someone who wants to be 'Australian', whether he was born and raised or was there for 3 years or 300 years.
Adrian Sharkey
Guest
Going by your logic, although it may be a different sport, Daniel Sturridge, who was born, raised and educated in England shouldn't be playing for England just because he has Jamaican heritage. Please explain how that isn't racism.
steveng
Roar Rookie
No its not alright, if Sam Burgess and Jesse Bromwich want to become Australian residents then they have to go through the process right from the beginning, go through the immigration process that takes between 4-6 years when they came to Australia and not all of a sudden decide and want to be Australian (because of the money) play for Australia. I don't care if Sam, Jesse, Semi or whoever want to play in the NRL competition but when it comes to the International games they should all play for their respective countries as is appropriate!
Joe
Roar Rookie
If he wants to play for Australia then all the best to him same as the other players and Wallabies mentined. There's no growing the "International game" unless the financial incentives are there for players who not only come from poor backgrounds but have a short career to make the most they can. Also the way things are going it might be likely we'll be seeing Koroibete in the Wallabies jersey come end of year.