Troubled Parramatta star Semi Radradra has told the NRL club he wants to play against Cronulla.
Radradra snuck into training on Friday morning and bypassed the media as coach Brad Arthur spoke to reporters.
Radradra’s first training session in two weeks lasted 45 minutes and it came hours after he was arrested by police after his arrival in Sydney from Fiji.
He was charged with three counts of domestic violence against his ex-partner in 2014 and 2015.
Radradra was released on conditional bail.
Earlier Arthur said he would give Radradra the option of standing down from his side’s NRL clash against the Sharks on Saturday night.
“I don’t know a lot about it. It’s happened really quickly. I tried to put in a call this morning and I’m not sure where it’s at,” Arthur said before the training session.
Asked whether he would give Radradra the option of standing down, Arthur said: “Yes.”
Pressed further on whether Radradra would be in the right frame of mind to play, he said: “Like I said, I haven’t spoken to Semi (so) we’ll talk to him and see where he’s at.
“The first process is we need to talk to Semi and his manager and see how he is. The priority for us is his welfare at the moment. Until I’ve spoken to him, it’s very hard.
“Whether I’m happy with it or not, that’s just how it is. That’s the situation.
“We need to talk to Semi and need to go through the whole process. We need to speak to the NRL. There’s a lot of stuff to happen.”
Parramatta confirmed they were aware of the charges on Friday morning, and that they would work closely with the NRL’s integrity unit on the matter.
“This is a serious matter and the club is treating it as such,” director Geoff Gerard said.
“In accordance with our club’s values, Semi will be afforded the presumption of innocence.”
BA Sports
Guest
You only had to be at the ground last night to know why a witch hunt is a big deal. Semi was copping it from the start by about a third of the crowd and the more they drank and the more tense the match got the more people joined in until he had 19,000 giving it to him by the end of the game. So they weren't all giving it to him because they are passionate about domestic violence, most were just piling on, which isn't right given the man has a presumption of innocence. And Erin Molan dropping his name and brining it up when she did, doesn't help.
Jacko
Guest
thats the problem Johnno, being a reporter is about sensation not truth any more. Perhaps reporters who tell a bunch of bollocks should be stood down until they can report facts as what we get from reporters today is 20% fact 80% opinion, and the opinion is designed to inflame
Jacko
Guest
So what you are saying then Notherner is that both the accused and the accuser are fully entitled to their day in court? 100% agree. I am still questioning why the accuser waited 12 mths before taking out an AVO against someone who was out of the country. Im not anti the accuser nor do I know that the claims are wrong or right but instantly believing the accuser and presuming the accused to be guilty shows a thick skull also
Johnno
Guest
Let it go who cares get over it, the public like to witch hunt as do the media so what.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Lot of people with thick skulls...
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Oops...meant Brett Stewart & Kenny Dowal....not Cherry Evans
northerner
Guest
The allegations are serious, yes, but the man has an absolute right to the presumption of innocence. That means the clubs, the NRL and everyone else have to walk a fine line. I'm okay with the decision to let him play, pending any court decision. I'd just add, though, that the accuser has an absolute right to the presumption that she's telling the truth, too, and the lowlife comments that were here earlier and have now disappeared, suggest that a lot of people haven't got that through their thick skulls.
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
I have no problem with Semi playing...what I have a problem with is that an alegation now appears to be a statement if guilt to some....probably those same people who learned nothing from the Cherry-Evans and Kenny Dowal fiascos. If Semi is proven guilty by a court as opposed to a witch hunt by public opinion then by all means throw the book at him
armchair expert
Guest
The NRL have shown inconsistency when it comes to these situations previously. Standing down some players that have faced domestic violence and letting justice take its course in other cases. I personally think that we might see Semi for the last time this weekend, his court case is Tuesday and I would be surprised if the NRL don't stand him down if the case shows he has acted improperly. If that's the case then see ya later Semi.
richo
Guest
the silence from white ribbon ambassadors is deafening. maybe its just a meaningless fund raising org setup to make men feel like they are doing something? perhaps? surely the allegations against him are serious enought hat he should be stood down but the NRL and the club involved are more interested in bottom line I suspect