To absolutely no one’s surprise, Semi Radradra is set to walk out on rugby league at the end of the season – the only question now is; why keep him around until then?
This is a man who spent most of 2016 dragging the NRL through a pile of mud and expecting them to clean up after him.
The same man who threatened to walk out on his contract because he felt he was being ‘mistreated.’
The man who expected the NRL to change their rules in order to allow him eligibility for State of Origin having already been allowed to represent the Kangaroos.
And despite all this and more, the Parramatta Eels stood by their embattled winger and welcomed him back time and again, and for what? To be thrown to the kerb once he figured out an escape plan?
The Eels and their fans didn’t deserve to be disrespected like that, nor did the rugby league community who have had to deal with his antics for the better part of a year now.
While I completely understand the Eels’ stance and their reluctance to allow one of their prized assets to walk out early on his contract, the fact remains that doing so would be in their best interests.
Brad Arthur did a terrific job of steering a sinking ship last season and not only did he keep the club above water, he built a foundation to work off heading into 2017.
There’s no need to hang on to a player whose heart isn’t in the game and who, based on reputation, will do more harm than good to both the team and the sport.
This isn’t so much granting Semi’s wish and allowing him to move to ‘greener pastures’ at his discretion, but more to do with both the Eels and NRL standing up for themselves and taking a stance against money hungry code-hoppers.
This is a man who has held the game to ransom – demanding more while delivering less, both on and off the field.
The game will be a better place without him, so why carry around dead weight for the sake of proving a point?
Prove a bigger one by cutting him loose and showing that the game won’t tolerate selfish behaviour from players who do not appreciate what the competition and all its fans have done for them.
Replies
We would have to find a reason to sack him which we should have done long ago, if we let him go we have to pay him out.
http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/get-rid-ungrateful-disrespectful-radr...
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/parramatta-eels-semi...
Those articles show he may be admired by his on field abilities but I for one am not worried if he was let go on the proviso of no cost to the club. Better to let another player who wants to stay with the eels take his spot.
Its no different to when Jnr was let go last year, how much did we miss him? maybe a couple of extra wins but the club has rebuilding and any single player is less important now. The money saved can be well used in keeping those wanted as we have a fair list off contract at the end of this season.
He'll be fulfilling his contract and playing the full 2017 season. (Court case pending)
If he can fulfill his contract and play out the season then what's the problem? I don't get the butt-hurt about Semi.
These same journalists calling for us to sack would be the same journalists willing to rip us a new one if we underperform.
Semi is a contracted Eels player willing to fulfill his contract. And whilst ever that is the case I'll be cheering for him as he takes the field.
Mutt and Brett, I am not into the hate situation with Semi, to me if he stays he stays and I hope he plays to his full abilities, injuries aside.
I understand that Jnr wanted a release, my point being is if he decides to seek a release then I see no issue in letting him go. On that basis only there is no between Jnr and Semi, and if he seeks a release and allowed to go then the club does not have to pay for him, I may not have spelt that out directly but I think it was there in inference.
Probably some are wondering whether he will give 100% given he needs an early release to start the Union season ie August.
We really dont have much of a say unless we let him go now which in turn will probably cost us.
There is two sides to this and it all depends on how Semi plays it. Which given other 'issue' I can understand some peoples scepticism.
Though I am not happy he is leaving, he should be held accountable and play the last year of his contract. He is with out doubt our best winger and should play as we need our best side to make the finals and he is part of that team.
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