Radradra backs Fiji’s NRL bid
Radradra adds that Fiji has a chance to have a team in the NRL given the successful bid of Pacific neighbours, Papua New Guinea.
Tuesday 19 August 2025 | 00:30
Dual rugby international Semi Radradra is in full support of Fiji’s bid to have a team in the 2028 National Rugby League (NRL) competition.
Radradra who represented the Parramatta Eels club in the NRL competition from 2013 to 2017 said the bid, if successful would develop a lot of Fijian players.
“The Fiji Rugby League Association dreamt about that once and hopefully if down the road they have that team in NRL, I reckon it’ll be a pathway for every Fijian,” he said.
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“Rugby league is a Fijian game, I think there is no doubt.”
Radradra adds that Fiji has a chance to have a team in the NRL given the successful bid of Pacific neighbours, Papua New Guinea.
“By the time we play, we know that most NRL clubs wants Fijians in their team,” the Somosomo, Taveuni native said.
“For sure there’ll be a big bid to have a Fijian team coming up because the Kaiviti Silktails have done a really great job for how many years now.”
Last month Fiji National Rugby League executive chairman Akuila Masi said the bid would be a great opportunity for players in the country.
He added that current funding from DFAT (Department of Foreign and Trade) and the NRL is not a handout—it is a strategic investment in an inclusive sporting future for the Pacific.
“Contrary to the notion that this is a ‘nail in the coffin’ for rugby union, we view this moment as a wake-up call to move beyond siloed thinking.
“Both codes can and must thrive side-by-side. Sport is not a zero-sum game. If developed collaboratively and transparently, the growth of rugby league will not cannibalise rugby union but rather elevate sporting excellence and opportunity across the board.”
Meanwhile, Radradra represented the Fiji Bati and Australia internationally in 2013 and 2016 respectively before he switched to rugby union.
The Flying Fijian center is bound to play for Shizuoka Blue Revs Club in Japan’s League One rugby competition. He was hosted by Japan Ambassador to Fiji, Rokuichiro Michii to honour his transfer to from Lyon, France to the land of the rising sun.
