SEMI Radradra’s manager has given his guarantee that the Fijian star would be back at Parramatta training on Wednesday and a definite starter in Saturday’s crucial clash against Cronulla.
With Parramatta’s salary cap punishment expected to be finalised this week, the *uncertainty about Radradra’s future took another twist *yesterday.
After initially agreeing to return to Sydney on Sunday and train with his teammates tomorrow, Radradra was given a day’s extension to his sanctioned mid-season break.
It followed a week of mystery surrounding Radradra’s future following reports he was considering a shock switch to French rugby.
Player agent George Christodoulou told The Daily Telegraph that Radradra had been given permission by coach Brad Arthur to make a delayed return.
Arthur on Sunday night also confirmed Radradra would be back training with his teammates on Wednesday.
It was understood Radradra had initially agreed with Arthur that he would return to Sydney on Sunday.
Even on Sunday morning, club official Ian Schubert told The Daily Telegraph that Rad*radra was expected back on Sunday.
Christodoulou refused to say when his client would *return. While he would not answer phone calls, Christodoulou eventually replied via text message, saying: “He will definitely be returning to the Eels and be playing against the Sharks on Saturday.”
Last week Schubert told The Daily Telegraph: “Semi is contracted to Parramatta and he understands his *obligations.
“He will be back in Australia this Sunday and back at training on Tuesday week.”
Reminded that Sunday was the expected return date of both Schubert and Arthur, Christodoulou said: “He will definitely be at Eels training on Wednesday as required and agreed to by his coach.”
Arthur later replied via text: “Semi will be training Wednesday with the team.”
The Eels are confident Semi Radradra will return this week. Picture: Brett Costello
It was reported that Christodoulou met with the NRL last week and was told in no uncertain terms that if Rad*radra walked out on his contract with Parramatta he would not be allowed back.
Parramatta had the bye this round but trained on Sunday and will have more sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
A club insider told The Daily Telegraph on Sunday that Radradra was expected to train on Tuesday.
It is unclear why his leave was extended.
What makes it all the more mysterious is that Parramatta had initially said the club arranged Radradra’s flights to and from Fiji.
But The Daily Telegraph was told on Sunday that Rad*radra’s management had now taken control of his travel *arrangements.
Radradra did not rule out quitting the NRL when he spoke to The Daily Telegraph in Fiji.
“I’m just here to have a break,” Radradra said last Tuesday.
“I haven’t made a decision on anything.
“I’m just here to see my family and talk it through with them.”
Semi Radradra during a workout in Fiji last week. Picture: Nathan Edwards
Radradra’s family also confirmed that the star *winger was confused about his future.
“It is up to him. We will support whatever his decision is,” his sister Veseva said.
“We just support him in whatever he chooses.”
His father Samisoni Waqavatu added: “As long as he is happy. I’ll support him whatever he chooses.”
