Fiji Coach Refuses To Consider Radradra For May Test

Door closed.


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Fiji coach Mick Potter has become the second coach this week to shut the door on Semi Radradra for the representative round of Test matches.

However, Gold Coast star Jarryd Hayne is set to play for Fiji after signalling his interest to take on the Cook Islands in an international triple-header in May.

Hayne's chances of representing the Bati improved after Australia coach Mal Meninga this week criticised players who hinted at possible moves to another code.

The Titans fullback last month revealed French rugby was an option as he contemplates whether to take up an option in his contract to remain on the Gold Coast in 2018.

Potter, an assistant coach at Newcastle, said he had been in contact with Hayne about playing for Fiji during the Knights' win over the Titans last week.

"I've spoken to Jarryd and he's pretty keen. Obviously that'll be subject to anything with Australia at this stage," Potter told AAP.

"But if he's available, he certainly sounded like he was pretty interested. He was keen to come to Samoa (last December) but he had a couple of commitments already planned.

"I'll give him a call in the next week or so to see how he's going with his ankle injury."

While the likely availability of Hayne will be a major drawcard for the international, Potter admitted he won't be considering rugby-bound Radradra in a World Cup year.

He said he'd much rather take a look at the likes of Waqa Blake, Suliasi Vunivalu and the Jennings brothers, George and Robert, against the Cook Islands.

"It'd certainly be a highlight for the fans to watch him but I don't think it's going to help us for the World Cup if we play Semi there," Potter said.

"That's just (taking) up a spot where we're not going to be able to observe one of the potentials for the World Cup.

"As soon as the season finishes for Parra, he'll be shooting off to rugby union anyway."

- AAP

18 March 2017




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