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Eels cold on Radradra homecoming: Arthur

3 minute read

Semi Radradra is believed to have met with a number of NRL clubs this week, but Parramatta coach Brad Arthur insists the Eels weren't one of them.

SEMI RADRADRA of the Eels celebrates after he scores a try during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.
SEMI RADRADRA of the Eels celebrates after he scores a try during the NRL Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Two years ago Parramatta entered the NRL finals relying on Semi Radradra.

Now Eels coach Brad Arthur insists not only have they unearthed another star winger, but plenty of other backline weapons ready for another finals tilt.

Radradra is understood to have met with a number of clubs this week, including Canterbury, to gauge interest on a possible return to the NRL in 2021.

However Arthur denied the Eels were one of them.

Asked on Thursday if the club had met with Radradra, Arthur said: "No, no.

"We're happy with the backline we've got at the moment.

"If Semi's interested ... but at the moment we're worrying about (Friday) night and what's ahead of us, which is the finals."

Right winger Blake Ferguson proved he is worth the lucrative three-year deal the Eels gave him when he broke back into the NSW State of Origin team this year.

And on the left wing, in Radradra's old spot, fellow Fijian native Maika Sivo has emerged as one of the success stories of the season.

Sivo, who also only arrived at the Eels last summer, is almost certain to get an extension when he enters the final season of two-year deal in November.

Arthur admits the club has come a long way since leaning on Radradra's power two years ago, when they were bundled out of the finals in back-to-back losses.

"Yeah, we've got Fergo and Maika on the other side now who are doing a really good job," Arthur said.

"And then we've got (Michael Jennings) in the centres, and (Waqa Blake has) joined our club and added a bit of X-factor.

"I think we're pretty content with the backline that we've got. And the forwards are doing a good job to provide opportunity for them."

Sivo, in his first season, enters Friday's final-round clash with Manly equal with Warriors flyer Ken Maumalo on 17 tries, one behind leader Latrell Mitchell.

He will also be marking up against improved Sea Eagles No.5 Reuben Garrick, who is just one try back on 16 for the season.

Sivo claimed the club's rookie of the year gong on Monday night.

"The individual accolades are nice," Arthur said of Sivo.

"He's scored some tries that a lot of people probably couldn't have, but he's also scored some tries that the team's contributed for him.

"It's been a great season for him. He got our rookie of the year, he's worked really hard, and probably exceeded his expectations from when he first started."

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