http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/ee...t/news-story/f06701d0012209401e3f02157b9714af
Parramatta’s Semi Radradra still considering rugby union switch, according to his agent
August 4, 20167:00pm
PARRAMATTA cult hero Semi Radradra refuses to rule out exploring options outside the NRL, including rugby union, as he closes in on an early return from injury.
That’s the message from Radradra’s agent, George Christodoulou, who told The Daily Telegraph the winger would assess all playing possibilities beyond this season despite being contracted at the Eels until the end of 2017.
However, Christodoulou stressed his first priority was dealing with domestic violence charges hanging over the star Eel’s head.
The Fijian flyer has pleaded not-guilty to allegations he assaulted his former partner on a number of occasions in 2014 and 2015.
Depending on the outcome of the case, Radradra faces heavy sanctioning from the NRL and possible bans.
“We will assess playing future post court case, but our only focus is returning from injury and getting through the court case,” Christodoulou said.
Asked if rugby was an option, he said: “Don’t know. I’m not looking at any options now, because we’ve got a court case to prepare for and get through.”
On a positive note, Radradra is in line for a shock Eels return from injury as early as next week to press his claims for Australia’s Four Nations campaign.
Radradra was not scheduled to be back for three weeks — if at all — after suffering a knee injury against the Sydney Roosters last month.
He had been pencilled in to return from a medial strain in the penultimate round of the season, however could be back to face the Broncos in Brisbane next week, according to coach Brad Arthur.
Arthur scotched rumours Radradra would make a shock appearance against Manly at Pirtek Stadium on Friday, saying: “Maybe next week”.
Had Radradra returned in round 25, it would left him short of a gallop heading into the Four Nations in England considering Parramatta are set to miss the finals.
Radradra made his first appearance for the Kangaroos in the midyear Test following his controversial defection from Fiji.
Meanwhile, as revealed in The Sunday Telegraph, Parramatta have formally withdrawn their appeal against sanctions imposed by the NRL for salary-cap breaches.
The appeal was lodged by the Eels’ previous board shortly before their resignation.
The withdrawal follows a review of the NRL’s decision by the club’s newly appointed interim board, including legal advice from independent lawyers appointed to consider the merits of challenging the sanctions.
Eels chairman Max Donnelly said yesterday that after reviewing the independent legal advice, it was clear the appeal was only focused on mitigating certain aspects of the punishments.
“Based on my review, I believe the appeal had no chance of success and should be withdrawn.”
Donnelly also announced that, following discussions between the new board and the NRL, $250,000 of the $1 million fine would be suspended for two years pending governance reforms at the club.
