Semi 2018 almost a certainty.

SBS HOMEParramatta star Semi Radradra has revealed he has already begun negotiations to return to the NRL club after his stint in French rugby union.It appears increasingly likely the 25-year-old will be back in the blue and gold by mid-2018 after confirming his manager George Christodoulou had, in the past week, begun talks with the Eels.At the end of the NRL season, the Fijian-born try-scoring machine will depart Australia to link up with Top 14 club Toulon.Ads by KioskedHe has a one-year deal, with an option for a second, meaning he could be back in rugby league in June next year after the 2017-18 Top 14 season finishes."I would love to come back. I call this club my home. If the door is open next year, I will come back and finish it off," Radradra said."I've left that (negotiations) to my manager and he's doing a lot of work now. Last week and this week, he's talked with the club. I'll see after that."Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has expressed his desire to bring the former Australian Test representative home next year and Christodoulou says he expects his client to return to the NRL "for sure".There now appears to be a strong desire from Radradra to play the 13-man game again after this year.The Top 14 season runs until early June, meaning the Eels could bring him home before the June 30 deadline and he could be available around this time next year.Radradra has scored at a phenomenal strike rate during his time in the NRL, racking up 68 tries in 82 games over four-and-a-half seasons.Should he return, he could conceivably trouble Norths and Manly great Ken Irvine's record of 212 tries.Radradra was forced to sign with Toulon after he was charged with domestic violence offences, which left his NRL playing future in doubt.After pleading not guilty, the charges brought by ex-girlfriend Perina Ting were dropped last month by prosecutors.He said were it not for the saga which dragged his private life into the spotlight, he wouldn't have signed with rugby union."It's a pretty tough decision. I signed that contract because of what happened in the past," Radradra said in reference to his court case."If that doesn't happen, I would have been happy to stay here, sign a couple more years and sign with Parra. That's what forced me to sign that contract."Also on my mind, I wanted to try something different and then come back."Recommended2

Replies

LegendTHECROWEELS June 15, 2017 at 4:38pm

BA. Dont express desire to bring him back. just get it done
Sir Penny Wong June 15, 2017 at 4:52pm

Never in doubt. He was also destined to return.
- Kerry George > Sir Penny Wong June 15, 2017 at 5:03pm
  
  So was JH
Blue and Gold June 15, 2017 at 5:01pm

Great news. Hope he comes back refreshed and clear of mind.

He needs to play outside of anyone but MJ.
Swampie June 15, 2017 at 5:06pm

He better lift his game. Head not with it at the moment.
slip June 15, 2017 at 5:19pm

Why bother leaving if you are going to come back in a year.
- colin hussey > slip June 15, 2017 at 6:25pm
  
  A well paid trip to the French Riveriera, wouldn't you take it slip? Me thinks you would knock anyone outa the way for that.
- Yobz > slip June 15, 2017 at 8:39pm
  
  A signed contract he can't get out of.
Michael Ryan June 15, 2017 at 5:22pm

Broncos or Titans will get him
- Eel for life > Michael Ryan June 15, 2017 at 5:47pm
  
  NO WAY - i got a feeling he will sign a contract before he departs for Europe