SEMI Radradra could barely handle himself — let alone a Steeden — when confronted with the biggest culture shock of his life in late 2011.
While acclimatising the isolated Fijian to Sydney was their top priority, Eels staff also knew they had to get him used to holding a football as well as fluent conversations.
The result is the Radradra is now rarely seen without a Steeden in his giant hands, which have become infinitely more reliable.
Eel's Semi Radradra in action. Source: News Corp Australia
From making 1.6 errors a game in 2013, Radradra is averaging less than one fumble from 15 appearances this year.
The idea of having players nurse a football in their spare time is not completely new.
Former Roosters coach Brad Fittler first devised it in 2008, to cure a severe case of butter fingers that plagued speedster Shaun Kenny-Dowall.
Three years later, the GWS advised recruit Israel Folau to cradle a Sherrin at home to hasten his cross-code adjustment.
Semi Radradra in action. Source: News Corp Australia
The 21-year-old’s agent, George Christodoulou, said: “Carrying the football around more is something the coaching staff have suggested to him, as a means to getting used to holding it. From the stats you’ve told me about, it seems to be working.”
Eels coach Brad Arthur commended Radradra’s for his diligence away from training, which was demonstrated on Monday when the winger juggled a footy during his first round of all-in media interviews.
“A lot of it is Semi’s own doing,” Arthur said.
“It’s all about getting him accustomed to carrying the footy, and big part of it is learning to grip the footy because he has such big hands.
“We did a lot of work during the pre-season on it and he’s a lot more confident now.”
Parramatta coach Brad Arthur shakes hands with Semi Radradra. Source: News Corp Australia
Only raw edges are preventing the former Kava farmer from joining the game’s band of elite wingers.
Leading tryscorer since the opening round, Radradra last month inked a four-year extension worth $3 million and is adamant about representing his new homeland at the highest level.
“Last year I was just trying my best, but my focus now on playing for NSW in the Origin and the Kangaroos,” he said.
“If I can’t do that, I will keep playing for Fiji.”
Radradra is eligible for Australian selection in the end-of-year Four Nations tournament, because he will have satisfied the three-year residency requirement by then.
Parramatta's Semi Radradra makes a break to score a try. Source: News Corp Australia
Christodoulou revealed Radradra had intentionally left the ‘Country of Election’ field on his new contract blank to keep his options open.
In the meantime, Radradra continues to settle into his new home. He now has a girlfriend and a driver’s license, but refuses to drink alcohol.
“I only drink kava,” he said.
In a final twist of irony, Radradra said teammate Fuifui Moimoi — who famously pretended he could not speak English to avoid interviews — had been most influential in overcoming the language barrier.
“When I first came, I could understand when people were speaking to me, but I wasn’t as good as speaking myself,” Radradra said.
“I was doing English lessons, and if I don’t know something I can always ask the boys. Fuifui has been good, he can understand me.”
Originally published as No more juggle street for Fijian flyer
Replies
"..my focus now on playing for NSW in the Origin and the Kangaroos".
I would love to see Semi in the Blues jersey and he will be eligible next series.
So when can he play for NSW like Uate?
He cant unless they tinker with the selection criteria again.
Think its more like $250k a season according to Zero Tackle
http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/rugby-league/teams/parramatta-eels/
Throw in Toutai as well.
It's comical that a player can represent their country but not their state.
Similar residency rules should apply to state eligibility.