The farcical situation with Semi Radradra which has been playing out in the media lately is disappointing not only for the Parramatta Club, but also for the game of rugby league.
If what has been reported is true and Radradra is considering a move to playing rugby union in France, then the NRL has to come out and make it clear in no uncertain terms that while Radradra in under contract to the Parramatta Club that he isn’t allowed to leave to play union.
Once again we have the situation whereby a player has been tempted by a substantial offer from a rival code and he and his management are trying to negotiate a way out of his contract.
Parramatta have to stand firm and not let Radradra go. He offers the Eels so much more than just his superb skills on the Football field.
As a player Radradra has the complete package, but the dangling carrot he’s being offered must be incredibly tempting to take given his obvious desire to support his family.
This is evidenced after he turned his back on Fiji to play for Australia against New Zealand in the Anzac Test.
We shouldn’t cast aspersions on Radradra after accusations were brought against him for domestic violence. The presumption of innocence until proven guilty is a fundamental right.
The other point that also shouldn’t be lost here is that Nathan Peats had to leave Parramatta so that they could meet their salary cap requirements. So just imagine how Peats will feel if his transfer to the Gold Coast Titans has been in vain.
At the end of the day an NRL contract is a legally binding document. Until the NRL shows some strong leadership and fines players for breaking their contract and introducing sanctions, then some players will only continue to benefit financially and take advantage of the loopholes in the system.
Emcie
Roar Guru
mate, i doubt too many players would get off as easily as he did after not showing up for a week and missing a game.
Wal
Roar Guru
When in your adult life has someone "coming down tough" on you ever worked. Leaving the assault charge aside, if found guilty then a precedent has been set on the length of suspension. Radrada has options so to act all tough with him will mean he, and I would too. Could decide he no longer wants to work for a dictating domineering boss. Why does Wayne Bennet get the best out of his players year after year, because they know he has their best interests at the core of everything he does. Radrada obviously needs support and encouragement to feel he is wanted at Parra. Trust me some of the French clubs would pay out his Eels contract without even batting an eyelid. I suspect he would be worth about $500-750k in Europe so $250k for next years contract to secure a 24 year old is nothing.
turbodewd
Roar Guru
Gazbo, money talks. Radradra wants more coin and he is worth it. Everything weve seen and heard of late is posturing/strategy by his agent. Its all a form of negotiation. Its just a great shame that the water has been muddied because Semi may have assaulted his former partner.
andrew
Guest
Mate. He is still playing for Parramatta. He hasn't broken his contract. What have the NRL done wrong?