Parramatta Eels star Semi Radradra has been ordered to surrender his passport pending his next court appearance in February to face domestic violence allegations.
Radradra appeared before Parramatta Local Court this morning after a late night return from Fiji, where he had been visiting family. The league star was threatened with arrest after missing a court hearing on Monday, when Magistrate Tim Keady dismissed a “not very convincing” letter saying Radradra’s father was seriously ill with tuberculosis and asthma. Mr Keady demanded more evidence that justified Radradra’s absence.
Today he said a further letter stating Mr Radradra senior had been admitted to hospital in Fiji satisfied him there were valid grounds for missing the Monday court hearing. But he cancelled a bail condition that allowed Radradra to travel abroad after seeking permission, demanding that Radradra surrender his passport. He then adjourned the hearing until February. Radradra, who remains subject to an apprehended violence order (AVO), did not speak to a throng of media representatives as he left the court.
Mystery continues to surround the French rugby club Toulon’s claim that the star had signed with it to play in 2017 for $1 million. The Eels CEO, Bernie Gurr, this morning told a media conference that Radradra had assured the league club he would remain with it for the 2017 season. The star’s manager, George Christodoulou, said Toulon was discussing terms but no contract had been signed. – Jesse Mullens
Photo of Semi Radradra from the Parramatta Eels’ Twitter feed.
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I am the sports editor for the Macleay Newsroom. I enjoy cooking and watching sport intently.
