The Parramatta Eels are preparing to take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday 1 September in Round 26 of the NRL Telstra Premiership.
Eels winger Semi Radradra, who is coming off a four-try performance against the Brisbane Broncos last week is hoping that he is able to continue his strong performance this week, in front of the Blue & Gold Army in the final game of the regular season.
“I really enjoyed it,” Radradra said of his performance last week.
“It wasn’t just myself. Those four tries comes from the big boys, they have been playing very tough in the middle and let me go on the outside to score a couple of tries.”
“The fans give me a boost as well when I hear the fans calling my name, and everyone is cheering for you. It gives us a lot of energy and I just try to play every week like that.”
“Everytime I jump on the field I always try to be the best. Whoever is in front of me I try to be better than him, run harder than him, this is what motives me every game.” Radradra added.
The four-try performance saw Radradra finish the clash with 259m from his 10 runs, including 4 line breaks and 8 tackle breaks, and the winger is hoping to back up his best performance of the year this week.
“I have been working really hard on my conditioning and strength and last week was a moment where I was still shocked after scoring those tries, after the game. It comes from the big boys, where they have a couple of tough carries and I come after that and it really paid off.” Radradra said.
“So far, this year, that is the best I have played.”
“I am looking forward to the game this week and hopefully I score a few tries again this week.”
Radradra has dealt with off-field distractions over the past month, but with the winger recently marrying his partner Vika Fifita, the winger says beginning this new chapter of his life, with the off-field issues in the past, as the reason behind some of his strong form.
“I have struggled the last couple of months, with everything that has happened off-field with myself, but now I have settled, got married, a new life and I am happy and finally playing good footy,” Radradra said.
“They say happy wife, happy life!” he continued.
“It is definitely easier for me, to just think about playing footy and start this new chapter of my life.”
Radradra will leave the Blue & Gold at the end of the season to play rugby union in France, but the winger was hopeful of finishing off the year on a high and giving back to the Eels Members and fans.
“I have always said that I wanted to leave this Club on a high note before I leave to France,” Radradra said.
“We have been focussing on each week, game at a time, and worry about the Finals later. We want to finish on a high note, and even myself, I want to give something back to the fans before I head off to France.”
“I would love to come back. I signed for two years to rugby union and I am a man of my word, I want to honour that contract, and I’ll let me manager do the rest.” He added.
The Eels kick off against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday 1 September in Round 26 of the NRL Telstra Premiership, kick off at 7:50pm. Click through to purchase your tickets to the clash.
