Semi Saga - MMM/Massoud episode - Eels Blogs

According to Eels insiders, Semi Radradra’s reluctance to return home on time this week was due to him being apprehensive over facing a media battalion at Sydney Airport. Listen to audio of Josh Massoud on Triple M at the bottom of this story.Yesterday’s news about his former partner, Perina Ting, applying for an AVO is only likely to heighten those fears. It could also prolong his seclusion in Fiji.But even before Ting went to police on Tuesday nifght, some at the Eels were willing to excuse Radradra’s extended absence on account of his cultural upbringing.Senior players publicly declared the winger was often ‘on Fijian time’, which is another way of saying he can’t be relied upon to adhere to a schedule.Exhibit one was his failure to return from Fiji to Darwin as arranged, prior to the clash against the Titans in Round 14.Radradra lobbed three days late, just in time for the Captain’s Run. His supposed excuse? Don’t worry guys, I can turn up five minutes before kick-off and still be the best player.Yet again, every indication was that Radradra intended to do the same prior to this week’s game against Cronulla – only show-up for the final training run on Friday.For Parramatta to tolerate this attitude on the grounds of his ability – and Fijian upbringing – is breath-taking.Now in his fourth season as a professional NRL player, Radradra can no longer be excused for setting his watch by ‘Fijian Time’ – and consistently getting away with it.And definitely not when he’s just changed his International allegiance to Australia; abandoning his home country in the process for a $20,000 appearance fee.He simply can’t have it both ways. As such, the repetition of the phrase by his team mates does him no favours in the long-term.It paints Radradra in a poor light; making it look like he’s treating a serious situation without a care in the world.Take it from us: this is a serious situation and Radradra is very upset. He’s angry at the Eels for not upholding promises; not least of all guaranteed third party payments.And he feels the club has sided with Ting during the break-up; casting him out of their townhouse in Telopea and back into ‘The Bronx’ apartments opposite Parramatta Leagues Club.He’s lost the passion to play for Parramatta, but at the same time has not handled that disappointment well.Yes, there are genuine health concerns with his father, who needs to travel to Fijian capital of Suva for regular treatment.And yes, Radradra is a polite and well-mannered young man. Former female staff even recall him helping them with their bags when he first arrived at the club in late 2012.But none of that is a valid reason not to uphold commitments that are fundamental to team sport.At the very least, the Eels need to heavily breach Radradra when – or even if – he comes home. And after that maybe... just maybe... they should just simply bid him adieu to French rugby.The contract with Bourdeaux is now off the table, after the NRL threatened to hit Radradra with an injunction. But he’s been itching to leave for almost twelve months.Sadly, Eels fans have simply been too blinded by his brilliance to believe it. His departure appears inevitable; be it during or after his current contract.There’s too much bad blood on both sides. Parramatta should at least take the opportunity to manage his exit on their own terms. Listen to audio of Josh Massoud below.

"Never heard of him but that college he's signed from is the biggest high school in the city I live in right now.I've got the feelers out finding out more.Shit I've even probably played rugby with some of his relations at my club over the years.As…"

Replies

Steve June 30, 2016 at 11:30am

Eels need to come down hard on him. If he wants to be paid like a professional he needs to act like one. The club should fine him heavily and lay down further fines if we misses any more training.

Regardless of him being the best player on the field, no man is bigger than the team and it sends an awful message to the blokes busting their arses every week at training.
- adnan > Steve June 30, 2016 at 12:21pm
  
  agree stevo
slip June 30, 2016 at 11:33am

Semi made the front page of the paper today!
luk3_182 June 30, 2016 at 12:01pm

Massoud doesnt mind standing out the front of parra leagues club with 'breaking news'. Never seems to actually talk to anyone though.
fishbulb June 30, 2016 at 12:13pm

Another news article without quotes or anything beyond rumour and hearsay....booooring!
The French Fullback #1 June 30, 2016 at 12:24pm

Again with the "guaranteed TPA's" when will players & managers realise they can't be guaranteed? If it falls thru it isn't the club's responsibility to pay it. It is the Third Party's issue
- 2oct9gwvbwwon > The French Fullback #1 June 30, 2016 at 1:14pm
  
  well the nrl seem to think its an issue and have made parra pay for all the tpas for every players contract.
  
  So going off this semi has no problems with tpas he will be getting his share via the salary cap for this and next year same for every player in the team that is not at arms length.
  
  Semi should just get his pay rise that he deserves give him 600k plus TPA and he will be happy.
- Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown > The French Fullback #1 June 30, 2016 at 1:17pm
  
  Correct FF, these people are imbeciles., its sounding more and more like Semi has a brain the size of an immature poppy seed.
Ed June 30, 2016 at 12:28pm

Just read Wayne Bennett reckons Be unfair to ban semi if goes to union. Only reason because Wayne would love have him at the Broncos and there
- Snakey - Sack Dylan Brown > Ed June 30, 2016 at 12:59pm
  
  BWAHAHAHAHA Wayne Bennet saying its unfair, Ben ikin blowing up deluxe, too funny.
  
  Seems to be plenty of passionate opinions on Semi's future from north of the boarder.