Radradra’s father makes emotional plea

The father of Parramatta Eels winger Semi Radradra has penned an emotional letter backing his son’s decision to shun his native Fiji and play for Australia.

Radradra was a somewhat controversial selection for the Kangaroos squad for the forthcoming trans-Tasman Test with New Zealand.

Many felt that Australia coach Mal Meninga should have avoided picking the player, for the sake of international rugby league’s credibility.

But the player’s father, Samisoni Waqa, has insisted that his son is making the right decision for his family’s future.

“God has blessed us through Semi,” the letter reads.

“Last year he built us a big home worth more that $100,000 and his gift to us his parents last Christmas was a brand new four-wheel-drive worth $85,000.

“He told us to use it when we go to the hospital because I am sickly and to take his siblings to school when it rains.

“We were safe during Cyclone Winston inside the house he built for us. I thank God for my son and I wish him well on his rugby career.

“My wife, Luisa Sera and I are lucky because he asked us to play for Australia because he wanted to look after us and his siblings. He said he wanted to do it for the betterment of our family.”