http://www.fijisun.com.fj/2011/12/22/new-sevens-star-wants-to-taste-big-league/
By ANASILINI RATUVA
New Paramatta Eels signing Semi Radradra says he
wants to try out playing in the National Rugby
League competition in Australia in the next two
seasons.
But the Somosomo, Taveuni, man says he will not
rule out a return to rugby union later.
Semi Radradra
Radradra was spotted by Eels coach Steve Kearnley
while he was playing with the Digicel Fiji 7s team
at the Gold Coast 7s tournament in Australia last month.
“This is a great opportunity for me to try out a
different sport before I get back to union,” Radradra
said.
“Opportunities strike once so I have to grab it
before I lose it.”
He believes the early days and months will be
challenging as he will need to make the transition
quickly.
The Fiji National Rugby League have already indicated
they will keep an eye on him as a possible Bati
selection for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
The 19-year-old, who has maternal links in Qamea,
Taveuni, stated that being the first in the family
to don the national jumper makes him and his families
proud.
He started his rugby career at the age of 16 when he
played for his Somosomo Sharks Club.
He was spotted by the Vatukoula Rugby Union and was
taken to the Gold Mine Town to enhance his rugby
career early this year under former national rep
Inoke Male.
He was then drafted in the Fiji Under-20 world cup
team and played at the World Juniors Championship
in Italy.
Radradra returned home and joined the national sevens
team to the Pacific Games in Noumea and was later named
in the 12-member team that played at the Australia,
Dubai and South Africa sevens tournaments.
While his selection was surprising to most, it was a
dream come true for the 19-year-old rugger.
He attributed his selection to the Almighty who gifted
him with the talent.
“I was happy about my selection. I was never expecting
it but to hear my name announced is something special
for me,” he said in Suva yesterday.
“It was good experience training alongside some of the
big names in rugby and I hope to learn more at the
upcoming tournaments.”
He said the national 7s team’s goal is to bring back
Fiji’s glorious 7s days of the 90’s.
Radradra attended school at Somosomo District School,
Holy Cross College and Latter Day Saints Secondary
School in Suva.
He knows there are dreams that are yet to be achieved,
especially with his quick transition from an unknown union
player to a player with one of the top league clubs in
the world.
“My aim is to work hard, train hard and will try to
accomplish all my goals since I’m still young.”
Radradra is expected to leave the country in January
as soon as he gets his visa.
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By ANASILINI RATUVA
New Paramatta Eels signing Semi Radradra says he
wants to try out playing in the National Rugby
League competition in Australia in the next two
seasons.
But the Somosomo, Taveuni, man says he will not
rule out a return to rugby union later.
Semi Radradra
Radradra was spotted by Eels coach Steve Kearnley
while he was playing with the Digicel Fiji 7s team
at the Gold Coast 7s tournament in Australia last month.
“This is a great opportunity for me to try out a
different sport before I get back to union,” Radradra
said.
“Opportunities strike once so I have to grab it
before I lose it.”
He believes the early days and months will be
challenging as he will need to make the transition
quickly.
The Fiji National Rugby League have already indicated
they will keep an eye on him as a possible Bati
selection for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
The 19-year-old, who has maternal links in Qamea,
Taveuni, stated that being the first in the family
to don the national jumper makes him and his families
proud.
He started his rugby career at the age of 16 when he
played for his Somosomo Sharks Club.
He was spotted by the Vatukoula Rugby Union and was
taken to the Gold Mine Town to enhance his rugby
career early this year under former national rep
Inoke Male.
He was then drafted in the Fiji Under-20 world cup
team and played at the World Juniors Championship
in Italy.
Radradra returned home and joined the national sevens
team to the Pacific Games in Noumea and was later named
in the 12-member team that played at the Australia,
Dubai and South Africa sevens tournaments.
While his selection was surprising to most, it was a
dream come true for the 19-year-old rugger.
He attributed his selection to the Almighty who gifted
him with the talent.
“I was happy about my selection. I was never expecting
it but to hear my name announced is something special
for me,” he said in Suva yesterday.
“It was good experience training alongside some of the
big names in rugby and I hope to learn more at the
upcoming tournaments.”
He said the national 7s team’s goal is to bring back
Fiji’s glorious 7s days of the 90’s.
Radradra attended school at Somosomo District School,
Holy Cross College and Latter Day Saints Secondary
School in Suva.
He knows there are dreams that are yet to be achieved,
especially with his quick transition from an unknown union
player to a player with one of the top league clubs in
the world.
“My aim is to work hard, train hard and will try to
accomplish all my goals since I’m still young.”
Radradra is expected to leave the country in January
as soon as he gets his visa.
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