Just a few days before the NRL kick-off, Parramatta’s superstar winger Semi Radradra has made a mercy dash home to Fiji to join his stricken family in the cyclone ravaged nation.

Radradra left Sydney on Thursday morning for the flight and 12-hour boat ride to the village of Somosomo, where he was a struggling kava farmer before being snapped up by Parramatta Eels talent scouts two years ago.

He could not be contacted since leaving because telephone communications in most areas are still down following Cyclone Winston which left a trail of destruction.

Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur made the decision to allow the Dally M winger of the year to return home, less than a week before the club’s premiership opening game against the Brisbane Broncos at Pirtek Stadium on Thursday night.

“It had been playing on Semi’s mind for a couple of days,” Arthur said, “He needed to get back there because he hadn’t been able to make contact with anyone.

“So we had to get him home. To play good football, players have to have their off-field life sorted.

“We’re big on family at our club and if it’s Semi, or any other player for the matter, I’d do the same.

“Family is really important to us, actually we put it before football.

“If they’re happy off the field it correlates into their on-field performances.”

Parramatta officials have been unable to contact Radradra since he left.

The club’s welfare officer received one message that his family was okay.

Radradra used the money from his first contract with Parramatta to build his family the first home they ever owned.

The flying Fijian is due back in Sydney on Sunday before resuming training with the rest of his teammates on Sunday afternoon.

In a recent interview Radradra spoke of his pride for his family.

“I’m planning to bring my mum and dad this year to watch my first or second game,” he said, “I’m looking forward to that. For them as well to watch rugby league and be in the moment, I’m very excited for them.”

Radradra will donate his boots from the Round 1 blockbuster to be auctioned on the Eels’ website after the game.

Feedback: oseab@fijisun.com.fj