Sunday News

Semi chance for return

- ADRIAN PROSZENKO

SEMI Radradra has given the biggest indication yet that he will be back playing for Parramatta this time next year following his French rugby stint.

The developmen­t comes as footwear manufactur­er XBlades opted not to reinstate Radradra as a brand ambassador despite the dropping of domestic violence charges against the Fijian-born flyer.

Radradra has ruled out any chance of reneging on his commitment to Toulon, who he will join after completing his commitment­s with the Eels this season. The former Kangaroos winger has signed a one-year deal with the Top 14 club, with an option for a second season in his favour.

However, he is leaning towards returning to the blue and golds as soon as Toulon’s 2018 campaign ends, which could be as soon as next May.

Radradra’s manager, George Christodou­lou, scuppered suggestion­s the 24-year-old was looking to backflip on his contract with the French glamour club, but said he could be back with the Eels this time next season.

‘‘I think he will come back, for sure,’’ Christodou­lou said.

‘‘He’s definitely going, 100 per cent, as soon as his commitment­s with Parra are finished.

‘‘In terms of coming back, once the dust has settled after the court case, he’s talked about finishing what he’s started in the NRL. There is definitely a desire to come back.

‘‘Their [ French rugby] final series has commenced now, so all the teams that didn’t make it are already on leave. The grand final is a couple of weeks’ time, so the worst case the grand final is in May.

‘‘You could be looking at [an Eels return] the first week of June [2018, if Toulon makes the finals], before the June 30 [transfer window closes] potentiall­y.’’

Mark Gasnier found himself in a similar position in 2010. The cross-code star returned to St George Illawarra in round 17 of that season after finishing his commitment­s with Stade Francais. Bolstered by Gasnier’s return, the Dragons won their first premier- ship as a joint-venture outfit that season.

Radradra signed with Toulon after he was charged with assaulting former partner Perina Ting.

However, prosecutor­s dropped the charges, to which he pleaded not guilty, at Parramatta Local Court earlier this month.

The Eels felt the drama cost them the chance to re-sign Radradra on a new three-year deal as he felt compelled to scour his overseas options while there was uncertaint­y over the outcome of the court case.

‘‘At this stage I’ve suggested to him it’s wise to get over there first, enjoy the lifestyle, the culture and a different code,’’ Christodou­lou said. The Sun-Herald GETTY IMAGES

‘‘We’ll make a call pretty quick smart after he’s there.’’

One call Radradra isn’t happy with is XBlade’s decision not to return him to their stable.

The legal battle hurt Radradra financiall­y, with his XBlades contract understood to be worth close to a six-figure sum.

 ??  ?? Semi Radradra could be back with Parramatta as early as next year in June.
Semi Radradra could be back with Parramatta as early as next year in June.

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