Semi has OK for snug ring
PARRAMATTA star Semi Radradra has received an exemption to wear a wedding ring during NRL games because the giant Fijian can’t budge the band off his finger.
Radradra suffered seven finger dislocations in one game earlier this year, before marrying Vika Fifita last month.
Radradra has now scored nine tries in the last four games wearing the ring he can no longer physically remove, which has been hidden beneath layers of strapping.
Under NRL rules, a referee must order a player to remove any equipment, such as rings, that could pose a risk to rival players.
An NRL spokesman said players would normally be asked by officials to remove rings and other jewellery before a game.
“But because Semi had taken steps to cover the ring and ensure it had not posed a safety threat to other players, the referees had allowed him to play,” the spokesman said.
Radradra said this week: “Against the Roosters this year I dislocated my finger seven times in the one game.
“I had to keep asking ‘ Jenko’ ( Michael Jennings) to keep popping it in.
“After that it stayed swollen and it was always big around the knuckle.
“I had to keep taping it every game, then again before the wedding so the fluid went down and I could put my wedding ring on.
“The ring went on, but now I can’t take it off. “It’s on there permanently.” Radradra said he was enjoying married life and had converted rugby- loving Vika to the 13- man code.
The bearded flyer knows from here on in every game could be his last before he flies out immediately to take up a $ 900,000- a- year French rugby deal with Toulon.
The departure will be so rapid Radradra will not even hang around for Mad Monday.
Radradra is so laid- back, he could not even name his rival Cowboys winger on Saturday night. But you can be certain Kyle Feldt will now what awaits him in the middle of ANZ Stadium.
“Whoever the winger is I’ll mark up on them,” Radradra said. “I’m trying to play every game like it is my last. I really want to leave on a high note before I head to France.”