Cronulla prop Andrew Fifita has thrown his support behind Semi Radradra – and wants to have a look at his own rugby union options at the end of his contract with the Sharks.
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The Sharks host Parramatta at Southern Cross Group Stadium on Saturday night looking for a club record 12th win in a row, but whether the Eels have their strike winger in the team remains to be seen.
While the Eels are expecting to see Radradra before the end of the week, his long-term future remains in doubt as he weighs up a lucrative offer from French rugby club Bordeaux.
Fifita, whose contract with Cronulla runs until the end of 2018, said he empathised with Radradra's situation.
"If someone threw me a million dollars to go into union – there'd be no hesitation," Fifita, who was linked to a possible move to rugby in 2014, said.
"I've had approaches from union, 100 per cent. I grew up playing union. It was my main sport. I'd love to have a look at that option once my contract is finished up at Cronulla.
"But I have a job to do here first because I have one more thing to tick off my rugby league career [win a grand final]."
The NSW Origin forward, who has been outstanding for Cronulla this season, pointed to the decision made by Sonny Bill Williams to leave Canterbury in 2008 and said players had a duty to look after their families.
"You do what's best for your family. Semi's obviously seeing massive money overseas and he has to look towards his future. That's the main thing," he said.
"I know it's hard but Sonny Bill did it and we all have families to provide for. If you were poached for a bigger [contract] you'd move on too. That's the main thing. If someone threw heaps more cash on top of my contract now, I'd leave instantly."
Fifita's Cronulla teammate Ben Barba said he hoped Radradra would stay in rugby league but ultimately the decision was his.
"For him it'd be a little bit tougher being he is from Fiji and it's not just an hour or two-hour flight back home. So I understand where he's coming from," Barba said.
"It'd be good for him to stay in the game but at the end of the day if he changes his mind and he wants to leave it's his decision and good luck to him.
"But it'd be very good if he could stay because he's wonderful for this game."
