Dyldam Parramatta Eels forward Danny Wicks has shrugged of any concerns surrounding the return of Blue and Gold winger Semi Radradra.
With Radradra absent from Blue and Gold training this morning, Wicks says the side is not concerned about his non-appearance.
“Not today, but he will be back,” Wicks said.
“I’m very confident. Brad told us he will be back.”
“He is on Fiji time, but he will be back. We thought he would be here but we were told by Brad this morning that he will be back and that’s all that matters.”
Whilst there has been plenty of speculation surrounding Radradra’s travel to Fiji over the NRL bye, Wicks had a laid back approach to the situation, confident in his return.
“He could turn up three minutes before the game. Me personally, I think he is in the best three players in the world at the moment, so if he wants to turn up and throw the boots on I am happy with that,” Wicks said.
“I think the main thing is that he will be back before the game.”
“He was given permission to go to Fiji and like I said, he will be back.”
“Me personally, I would like to be right beside him too. It is pretty cold at the moment.” Wicks joked.
And with news overnight that Kieran Foran had been relieved of his captaincy duties for the remainder of the season, Wicks said the halfback remained in a good state, focusing on his recovery from a shoulder injury.
“Foz wasn’t captain anyway because he is not playing, he has a shoulder injury. I only got told this morning myself, but that’s between him and BA.” Wicks said of the situation.
“I am not at all worried about him. He is good, always has a smile on his face.”
And with plenty of off-field distractions surrounding the Blue and Gold side in 2016, Wicks said the recent issues had not affected the team’s Round 17 preparations for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks this weekend.
“It is just all aboard the train isn’t it,” Wicks said.
“It has been like that all year, we just keep rolling.”
The Eels kick off against the Sharks at 7.30pm on Saturday, July 2, at Southern Cross Group Stadium in the 2016 Johnny Mannah Cup.
