Switching to play rugby league in Australia early in his sporting career has helped Semi Radradra to become the player he is today.

Speaking to SUNsports, Radradra stressed the importance of having a proper pathway that will help an athlete lift his or her sporting career to greater heights.

The former Parramatta Eels super star showed his pace and power during the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

“I believe rugby league helped and built me into becoming a better rugby player,” Radradra said.

“As a young player I started playing union before I switched to rugby league.”

The Somosomo, Taveuni native made the Fijian 7s team under coach Alifereti Dere that won the 2011 Gold Coast 7s tournament.

From there he signed up with the Eels and made his National Rugby League (NRL) debut in 2013.

He played for the Vodafone Fijian Bati at the 2013 Rugby League World Cup in England.

In 2016, he played for the Australian national rugby league team.

Radradra said the switch saw him on a new pathway, which helped in his growth. He was helped on issues like discipline, watching his diet, getting proper sleep, looking after his body and so on.

“When I returned to union it was good because already my self-confidence and character was built and also I returned to the game that I love, which is rugby.

“Playing in Australia is good and tough as well and these young players can learn a lot of new skills and techniques from there.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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