Semi Radradra is free to play in the NRL this week after two charges of common assault were withdrawn by prosecutors on Tuesday morning.
Radradra was charged over two alleged incidents of assault against his ex-girlfriend Perina Ting from November 2014, in which he was said to have punched her in the face and pushed her against a wall.
Radradra pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Ting admitted in court that she had sent a text message to a friend wishing that she had someone to help her “heat up the media” over the charges.
Prosecutors elected to withdraw both of the charges after Ting had finished giving evidence, and an Apprehended Violence Order held against Radradra was also dismissed.
The result means there is no longer any possibility of Radrada being given a ban from competing in the NRL related to the charges.
He has already confirmed that he will depart the NRL after the conclusion of this season to play for French rugby side Toulon in the Top 14 competition.
Radradra’s manager, George Christodoulou, said after the charges were dropped that his client’s defection to European rugby was a direct outcome of him having been charged with assault.
“Semi loves rugby league and loves the Eels. But in the end he had to take care of business,” said Christodoulou.
“But, for the next few months he’ll be with the Parramatta Eels and hopefully win a premiership on his way out.”
The Parramatta Eels released a short statement after the decision was announced.
As with all legal matters, we have stated from the outset that the Parramatta Eels Rugby League Club would respect the legal process relating to the charges against Semi Radradra.
Accordingly, we accept today’s court verdict to drop charges against Semi for domestic violence.
We will support Semi and his family in moving forward and are delighted he can now put his focus and energy on the 2017 season. The Club will continue to provide welfare services to Semi and his family.
The Parramatta Eels Club views domestic violence as a very serious issue and is committed to taking a strong stance against domestic violence. We are dedicated to building a successful Club, with all our decisions and behaviours governed by our core values of integrity, respect and excellence.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The answer is not to make it harder for real victims to press charges. Just because somebody is found not guilty it doesn't mean the alleged victim has lied.
andrew
Guest
What were you saying about 'limited intellect' Simoc?
Fred
Guest
Too right, too many men see their lives destroyed based on false accusations like this (and the lawyers love it)
Oingo Boingo
Guest
The family courts in Australia are fuelled by such ignorance.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Simon, that's easily the most ignorant comment I've read all week.
Jimmmy
Guest
Read the transcripts of the facts of the case . The charges were withdrawn because they lacked substance.
doogs
Guest
I agree Jacko. Such a shame for him and a loss to Rugby League. Bad boys have ended up playing Union in France but Semi has done nothing wrong. I wish him well for the rest of the season and over in France. Wish he was staying here, love watching him play. This lady wanted to "heat up the media". Good grief.
Simoc
Guest
There needs to be a trial. It is no good having an undisclosed settlement out of court. Generally speaking these people that are violent towards their female friends (which is cowardly at best) are repeat offenders unless found guilty. You have to be of limited intellect to think these are contrived charges (looking at you Roberto).
Jacko
Guest
So he paid the massive price of being left out of the EOY tour and misses the big $$ for this only for the charges to be dropped. It stinks that the NRL and ARL were so quick to punish him for the crime before he had his day in court. Gotta play union in France to get REAL compensation due to the NRLs stuffups
Roberto
Guest
Can their be an equally tough stance against those who falsely claim they are victims of DV. Poor blokes get their name dragged through the mud and branded 'guilty' as soon as charged.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Kenny-Dowall and Toupu are going to have their hands full next week. I think he'll come out with some inspired play after this.