PARRAMATTA have responded to reports that Australia representative Semi Radradra has walked out on his NRL contract.
On Saturday night, the Nine Network reported the Eels’ player boarded a plane on Saturday morning for Fiji, telling the club he was not coming back.
Radradra apparently wanted to pursue a rugby union career in France but is contracted with Parramatta beyond this season.
French rugby club Bordeaux had already been linked to the Eels sensation.
In a possible compromise, however, Nine reported the club was willing to let him go to France to play rugby from August to April, but on the basis that he comes back to the Eels and signs a three-year deal on return.
On Saturday night, the Parramatta club responded to the report.
“The Parramatta Eels can confirm that Semi Radradra has been granted permission to return to Fiji for a short family visit during the bye round,” a statement read.
“He is expected to return to Sydney in time to prepare for the club’s next NRL game against Cronulla.
“Semi Radradra is contracted to play for the Parramatta Eels until the end of the 2017 season, and has given no indication that the contract will not be honoured.”
Reports of a Radradra walk-out are not new.
Earlier in the year he reportedly threatened to leave the NRL over eligibilty issues which stipulate that the Fijian-born star could not play Origin.
Radradra and his management have repeatedly been forced to deny rumours that Dally M winger of the year wanted out of his current deal.
“I’m very happy at Parramata, being here with the boys and with Brad [Arthur] and everything - and if I was able to play Origin it would just be a bonus,” Radradra said in March.
“But I know there are rules and if I can get picked or not, I’m still happy at Parramatta.”
Radradra switched his allegiance to Australia on residency grounds to be able to play in the mid-season Test against New Zealand.
