Happy newly-wed Radradra hitting NRL peak

A settled off-field life, including a midweek wedding in Fjii earlier this month, is the catalyst for Semi Radradra's form surge for Parramatta.

Parramatta player Semi Radradra

Semi Radradra runs freely during a team training session as the Eels prepare to meet Souths. (AAP)

Parramatta star Semi Radradra has credited his electrifying late-season NRL form to a happy life with his new wife following a tumultuous 12 months.

Radradra's career was in doubt earlier this year after being charged with domestic violence against his former partner. The charges were subsequently dropped in May.

The Eels winger later signed a two-year deal to join French rugby club Toulon, but is ready to leave the NRL on a high after slipping away midweek to Fiji for his wedding earlier this month.

Radradra proved almost unstoppable in a four-try display against Brisbane last round and on Tuesday declared the effort his best of the season.

"That was the best game I've played so far this year," said Radradra on Tuesday. "I'm looking forward to the game this week (against Souths on Friday). Hopefully I score a couple of tries again."

The 25-year-old admitted the saga away from the football field had weighed heavily on his performances this year.

However he has still accumulated 17 tries to be fifth in the try-scorer standings, five behind leaders Suliasi Vunivalu and Alex Johnston.

And he now feels back to career-best form heading into the finals with the fourth-placed Eels.

"I've been struggling for the last couple of months because of what happened off-field. Now I get settled, I got married, new life. I'm happy and I'm finally playing good footy," he said.

"Let's just say: happy wife, happy life. Finally, it's easy for me. I just think about playing footy. I start a new chapter in my life and my life start anew."

With just one more game in the regular season, Radradra could have a maximum five games before embarking on his rugby sojourn.

And despite suggestions he could return to the Eels next year, Radradra insisted he would serve the entirety of his rugby contract before considering a return to the NRL.

"I would love to come back. I signed for two years in rugby union. I'm a man of my word. I want to honour the contract, and I'll just let my manager do the rest," he said.

"I'll see what happens, I might come back or I might stay there.

"I always wanted to leave on a high note at this club before I go to France. We'll just focus on this week's game and then worry about the grand final later.

"I want to give something back to the fans and this club."


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Source: AAP



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