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He was one of the best players on the ground during Sunday night’s NRL grand final, but Cronulla’s star forward Andrew Fifita won’t be suiting up for the Kangaroos in this year’s Four Nations tournament.
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg announced that both Fifita and Parramatta Eels winger Semi Radradra were not considered for Mal Meninga’s Australian squad because of their off-field issues.
Fifita caused headlines this season over his public show of support for jailed one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge. The Sharks forward played a number of games this season wearing strapping adorned with the letters “FKL,” which were believed to stand for either “Free Kieran Loveridge” or “For Kieran Loveridge.”
Fifita, who has known Loveridge since childhood, has since apologised for his public support for Loveridge, who is serving a ten-year jail sentence for the coward punch killing of Thomas Kelly, but his actions were still enough for him to be ruled ineligible for Australian selection.
“Andrew was suspended for six months last year for abusing a junior match official and has been involved in other off-field incidents,” said Greenberg. “We, therefore, determined that Andrew should not be considered for selection in the Australian squad for the Four Nations tour.”
“I hope this decision will be seen for what it is. Our determination to build a culture in the Kangaroos which every Australian can be proud of.”
While the usual spine of skipper Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Darius Boyd was picked by coach Mal Meninga, seven debutants were selected for the tour.
Canberra prop Shannon Boyd, Roosters hooker Jake Friend, Dragons second-rower Tyson Frizell, Penrith skipper Matt Moylan, Cowboys centre Justin O’Neill and Sharks backs Valentine Holmes and James Maloney were the uncapped players picked for the Kangaroos.
Old heads Corey Parker and Paul Gallen were both overlooked, as was Cowboys prop James Tamou and Raiders pair Jarrod Croker and Joseph Leilua.
Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson both retained their players in Mal Meninga’s squad, while Radradra was, like Fifita, not considered because of an off-field issue.
The barnstorming Eels winger is currently facing charges over domestic violence allegations.
“While he [Radradra] has pleaded not guilty, he has charges to answer at the end of the tournament,” Greenberg said.
“We don’t want either him or the team to be distracted by this matter and have decided he will not be eligible for selection on this occasion.”
Kangaroos squad for 2016 Four Nations
Cameron Smith (c)
Darius Boyd
Shannon Boyd
Boyd Cordner
Cooper Cronk
Josh Dugan
Blake Ferguson
Jake Friend
Tyson Frizell
Matt Gillett
Valentine Holmes
Greg Inglis
David Klemmer
James Maloney
Josh Mansour
Trent Merrin
Michael Morgan
Matt Moylan
Justin O’Neill
Josh Papalii
Matt Scott
Sam Thaiday
Johnathan Thurston
Aaron Woods
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