Parramatta's Semi Radradra makes a break to score a try. Source: News Corp Australia
FIJIAN excitement machine Semi Radradra is still learning rugby league but the NRL’s leading tryscorer has set himself some lofty goals, including playing for Australia’s Kangaroos.
The Parramatta winger, who agreed to a new four-year deal with the Eels this week, is even on Australian coach Tim Sheens’ radar thanks to his meteoric rise.
Semi Radradra earns new deal with Parramatta Eels1:31
Rampaging winger Semi Radradra has signed a new contract with the Parramatta Eels, tying him to the club until the end of 2018.
Nicknamed Semi Trailer, Radradra has averaged 120m a game this year and made an incredible 50 tackle busts, using his scorching pace and thunder thighs to destroy rival defenders.
—————————————————————————————————————
FEATURE STORY: FOR THE IN-DEPTH RADRADRA STORY CLICK HERE
—————————————————————————————————————
Because Fiji is a second-tier rugby league nation he can play for both his home country and still wear the green and gold.
“If Australia wanted me to play, I would play for Australia,” he said.
“I’d also like to play Origin one day if the rules changed just like (Eels teammate) Jarryd (Hayne).
“Jarryd is a great man and a good example for me.
“He’s always been my idol. I didn’t know anything about rugby league accept for Jarryd Hayne.
“Back home everyone knows him and that’s why I came to Parramatta. He helps me a lot.
“I’m still learning now and trying to understand all the rules so it’s step by step.”
EELS RE-SIGN MA’U, EDWARDS AND TOUTAI
Semi Radradra at Parramatta Eels training. Source: News Limited
Sheens says he will monitor the 21-year-old’s progress from here on.
“He’s come a long way in a short period and really blossomed this year,” Sheens said..
“It’s interesting that he’s done it on the back of experience he gained at the World Cup last year.
“He’s a player of enormous potential and we’ll certainly be watching his progress closely.”
Being labelled a rugby league excitement machine and budding superstar is something appreciates.
“I can’t believe it (the popularity) but I enjoy it,” he said.
“Especially all the kids that look up to me.
“I love hearing the crowd when I get the ball — it gives me more energy.”
PURRFECT PANTHERS MAUL SLOPPY EELS
Semi Radradra of Fiji runs with the ball. Source: Getty Images
The energy, the skill and the talent that this week earned him a new four year contract worth more than $1 million with the Eels.
It’s set him and his family back home up for life.
“I’m very proud that I can use my money now to build a new family home which was my original goal,” he said.
“I just want to keep improving, win games and maybe play in a grand final. That is my dream.”
Replies