Here's the same article in the DT.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/s...l/news-story/139b13a5f8e6c85af38ecc9f4b0f631f
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur says Eels can still sign Semi Radradra even with Jarryd Hayne’s arrival
MICHAEL CARAYANNIS, The Sunday Telegraph
December 2, 2017 4:11pm
Subscriber only
NOT content with bringing Jarryd Hayne returning to the club where his made his mark, Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has declared his desire to bring another favourite son in Semi Radradra back to the club next season.
In what would complete a star-studded backline the Eels could see the flying Fijians in Radradra and Hayne rejoin the club next year alongside attacking forces Bevan French, Clint Gutherson, Michael Jennings and halves Mitchell Moses and Corey Norman.
The Eels are prepared to leave a roster spot open for Radradra should he not opt to stay with French rugby club Toulon beyond the current season.
Arthur said Hayne’s signing would not impact on any potential move to bring Radradra back to the club.
“He is enjoying himself over there,” Arthur said. “I don’t know if he wants to come back but if he does we would certainly want Semi back at the club.
“Semi knows that.”
Parramatta have two spots on their roster left and about $500,000 remaining in their salary cap. While Hayne and Blues teammate Mitchell Pearce also made a big move to Newcastle last week, the player market will still heat up before Christmas. The Knights still have money to spend while the Sea Eagles are on the lookout for a replacement for Warriors bound Blake Green.
The Roosters too have some wriggle room in their salary cap following Pearce’s decision to join Newcastle.
Clubs need to have 29 of their 30-man roster completed by March 1 but can keep one spot open until June 30. This could help the Eels land Radradra.
The French rugby season ends in June, meaning Radradra could be fast-tracked back into the Eels line-up midway through the NRL season. Much like Hayne’s decision though, Radradra would have to take a significant pay cut to rejoin the club, given he is on about $1 million a season in France. The winger has an option for a second season in his favour.
Arthur said the club was in no rush to complete its roster.
“We are just after high quality players,” Arthur said. “We waited and Mitchell Moses became available midway through this year. We are just going to wait and see what happens.”
Arthur was immediately impressed with Hayne during their conversations which led to him formally signing a one-year deal with the club on Friday. Hayne will return to the training paddock when the Eels return from the new year break on January 3.
“He has family reasons behind his move back home,” Arthur said. “He has church reasons. There are friendships with plenty of players at the club.
“This is the club that he loves to play for. He has a lot of mates and friends at the club.
“He is back for the right reasons.”
