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Radradra lauds Fiji depth for World Cup

Semi Radradra has backed Fiji to perform strongly without him at the Rugby League World Cup after ruling himself out to focus on an end of season move to France to join Toulon.

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Radradra, who scored four tries in Parramatta’s stunning 52-34 demolition of Brisbane last Thursday night, confirmed ahead of his farewell home game for the Eels this Friday that he would miss the World Cup due to his rugby union commitments.

However, he backed the likes of Melbourne’s Suliasi Vunivalu and Manly’s Akuila Uate to fill his shoes on the end of the Bati backline, while Canterbury rookie Marcelo Montoya is another option.

"I'm not available for the World Cup this year," Radradra said.

"We have good depth in the Fiji Bati and all the Fijian boys have been making their debuts lately.

"We have a lot of wingers that can do the job. I'm just going to go off to France."

Fiji’s forward depth may also be tested with Newcastle frontrower Daniel Saifiti suffering a partially dislocated shoulder in last Friday night’s 46-28 loss to Canberra.

Saifiti is awaiting the result of scans and hopes to play in Sunday’s final-round clash with Cronulla, but there is a chance he will require surgery – although Knights officials are hopeful the 21-year-old does not require a full reconstruction.

Brisbane forward Korbin Sims underwent surgery last Friday after breaking his arm in the loss to Parramatta but is expected to recover before the Tri-Series in Fiji between the Bati, Kangaroos and Kumuls before the World Cup.

Fiji have strong forward depth with Ashton Sims (Warrington), Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra), Jacob Saifiti (Newcastle), Kane Evans and Eloni Vunakece (Sydney Roosters), Jayson Bukuya (Cronulla), Campbell Reagan-Gillard and Viliame Kikau (Penrith) and Ben Nakabuwai (Gold Coast) also eligible for the Bati.

Titans superstar Jarryd Hayne and Rabbitohs veteran John Sutton are expected to be the halves, with Manly’s Api Koroisau as hooker and Kevin Naiqama, who re-signed with Wests Tigers for a further year, at fullback.

Waqa Blake (Penrith), Taane Milne (St George Illawarra), Brayden Williame (Catalans) and Sitiveni Moceidreke (South Sydney) are among the centre options available to Fiji coach Michael Potter.

After qualifying for the semi-finals of the past two World Cups in 2008 and 2013, the Bati are aiming to finish top of their pool, which includes Italy, USA and Wales, and make it to the final on December 2 in Brisbane.

By Brad Walter | @BradWalterSport
Chief Correspondent, RLWC2017

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