THE battle for Semi Radradra’s signature isn’t just confined to football clubs with rival player managers circling the Parramatta Eels star.
Amid revelations in The Daily Telegraph that Radradra had potentially missed out on thousands of dollars in lucrative playing and commercial bonuses, a number of agents are believed to be interested in teaming up with the Fijian flyer in a move that could help keep him in the NRL.
Radradra is currently on a $250,000-a-year deal at Parramatta that expires at the end of 2017.
The 24-year-old has developed into a cult figure in the NRL, having scored 10 tries so far this season — including a brilliant 90m solo effort in last Friday’s 30-12 win over South Sydney.
Radradra has flown out to Fiji to visit family, with reports he told Parramatta he would quit the club for a rich deal in French rugby — something the Eels deny — it’s believed part of the problem is he isn’t maximising his commercial appeal in Australia.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal a number of agents are trying to convince Radradra to sever ties with his manager, George Christodoulou, who has been conspicuously silent since reports emerged of the Eels star’s unhappiness.
Some of the most high-profile NRL agents believe could better serve Radradra in securing him more lucrative deals that would go some
However, under NRL rules a player can’t leave their manager if he is still under contract.
The only way a player could break their binding contract is if he had a clause inserted into his deal.
But that hasn’t stopped player managers from trying to reach out to Radradra behind the scenes.
Radradra has become one of the hottest properties in the game, but is still only contracted to earn $250,000 next year with the Eels, who are currently working through a plan to upgrade his contract to match his market value.
His value has continued to increase, especially after representing the Kangaroos in last month’s Test against New Zealand. While he earned $20,000 in match payments during his Australian debut, it’s understood Radradra didn’t have representative bonus clauses built into his NRL contract.
In comparison, South Sydney star and Kangaroos teammate Greg Inglis has a sponsorship deal with Powerade and is an ANZ Stadium ambassador. There have also been suggestions Radradra’s management missed a lucrative opportunity to have him become the face of Fiji Airways — a role since accepted by Jarryd Hayne.
This year, Parramatta were contacted by airline representatives keen to sign the Fijian winger. They even passed on details of his management team, however no deal was done.
Christodoulou failed to return The Daily Telegraph’s calls.
Replies
Brett, good post. Way I see it is that he likely has an agent that is not doing the right thing by him, likely also as I just put on another blog that his sick father needs specialist treatment, & as Semi is the only money earner in the family the burden is on him. The interview with Yvone Sampson shows his love of his dad, & he wants to do all he can.
The Australian government rules makes it hard, but also easy for overseas residents to come into the country for medical treatment if they have the money, should they not have the money many are not allowed owing to it being a huge burden on our overstretched medical system. There would be no way his dad would get insurance to cover the treatment, so it has to be paid for, some specialists do make concessions & charge less, but costs such as hospitals are not able to do so, So, if surgery is needed then the operating theatre & wards have to be paid.
I would think the eels & possibly the NRL could be trying to do something for him, perhaps the French cameo or even one in Japan in the off season may be permitted on compassionate grounds. With the silence from his manager being quite deafening then maybe even he has reason for it until all is sorted out.
again it isn't that simple. Semi wants to grow his brand. He plays union and makes his mark , he will be on good money AND kids will buy his shirts in Europe and GB and everywhere else. It opens so many more doors than the NRL can offer. Hayne is known around the world due to backing himself. Semi is known in league circles only. Semi wants part of that pie.
if semi go's hes so far away from hes dad, so it wont happen, and if he did i am sure the nrl will life ban him from rugby league in australia, last he will end up with lots of money yes, but who cares what france rugby can dish up.
so if he gos its all about money full stop.
who cares what france rugby can dish up
Umm French people for a start ...population about 65M.
British people as they play in the same comp. http://www.epcrugby.com/epcr/index.php
All countries that host massive Rugby 7's events if Semi stays in RU and plays 7's with Fiji (inc USA).
If he plays in RWC he will be playing before TV audiences in excess of 50M.
He could even play Super Rugby in Aust if a club wanted him as a marquee player.
In reality, the NRL is a pissant competition compared to European Rugby and world rugby in general. Don't let the shambolic state of Aust RU give you the wrong impression.
Arh, So he's the old block that had to wait a minute & then lost it.
''Umm French people for a start'' hahahahahaha couldn't agree more
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