Sandor Earl is a surprise contender to replace rugby-bound winger Semi Radradra at Parramatta next season. Earl's four-year ban for taking and trafficking performance-enhancing drugs expires on Tuesday and the Eels are one of four clubs considering throwing him an NRL lifeline.
Parramatta, St George Illawarra, Melbourne and Canberra have expressed interest in signing Earl for 2018. Given it will be four years since his last game, it would be one of the game's most extraordinary comebacks. Earl has spent part of his sabbatical in Thailand, but recently moved to Melbourne, where he opened up an F45 Training franchise. That would make the Storm an ideal fit and there have already been discussions with their officials about the prospect of playing under Craig Bellamy.
Earl, 27, has already played with Canberra and the Raiders are open to giving him another crack in the lime green. The Dragons, a club with a proven track record of giving players a second chance, are also an option. The departure of Josh Dugan and Taane Milne has freed up salary cap space and back line spots, which could provide an opportunity for Earl in the Red V. But perhaps the most intriguing option is Parramatta. The blue and golds have at their disposal Radradra, the most devastating winger in the world. The "Semi Trailer" scored four tries against Brisbane on Friday night to underline his value, but will depart at the end of the season to link with French rugby outfit Toulon.
The Toulon deal is for one season, with an option in Radradra's favour for another, meaning he could potentially return to the Eels before the June 30 transfer window closes next year. Advertisement Regardless, Parramatta will need a replacement for the start of 2018 and Earl is being considered. It would be unrealistic to expect a man who hasn't played for four years to adequately replace the destructive Radradra, but an Eels move may give Earl the opportunity he's been looking for.
Parramatta have an outstanding three-quarter prospect in Greg Leleisiuao, but Earl could potentially fill the void until he is ready for first grade or when Radradra returns.
in a recent interview with Fairfax Media, Earl said he was keen to be remembered for more than just his drugs dramas. "We are nearly four years in, all the facts are out there," Earl said. "The public had their perception based on some pretty crazy media articles during the first six months. But now people have got the facts and the perception has changed. "I don't want people to feel sorry for me, but at the end of the day, I was hard done by. I think everyone gets that. People around me want to see me get back into doing what I enjoy doing and have a crack. Once I start playing, everything else can be put into the past. Then I can go out on my own terms, that's a big motivator."
Replies
Hoffman, Auva'a, G.Jennings, Davis ?
Its no surprise to me as we looked at him previously when he attempted to get a reduction in his penalty. Tall, fast and a great jumper I would not be against this. With the top squad increasing from 25 to 30 next year he would give us more depth and would compete with Hoffman, Auva'a, French and Leleisiuao for the top 2 wing spots. At this stage I see Gutherson returning to fullback next year when fit. It will come down to how much money we can offer as the Dragons are likely to give him a top 13 spot.
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