Parramatta fullback Michael Gordon has jumped to the defence of embattled teammate Semi Radradra, saying criticism of the star winger has been unfair.
Radradra is due to face court on Tuesday after last week being charged with three counts of domestic violence against his ex-partner.
Despite his future up in the air, the 24-year-old turned out for the Eels in a close NRL loss to Cronulla on Saturday night after declining an offer from coach Brad Arthur to stand down.
Gordon hit out at the media's treatment of Radradra since returning late from a club-sanctioned trip to Fiji last week, where he was arrested by police upon arrival.
"I think he's been copping a fair bit of unfair criticism. They've been parked outside his house and bombarding him everywhere," Gordon said on Monday.
"I thought people are innocent until proven guilty and he's just been slammed left, right and centre, which I think is very unfair."
Radradra was present for a routine video review at Old Saleyards Reserve on Monday, and is still expected to appear for the club in their next NRL fixture against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night.
Gordon said the Fijian flyer put in a good performance against the Sharks.
"He had a lot of tough carries and the Sharks (did) a really good job on him," he said.
"He can't score length of the field tries every week but I thought he (did) a lot of hard work. He's a great player and the Sharks (did) a really good job on him."
Radradra is slated to appear at Parramatta Local Court on Tuesday, where he is expected to plead not guilty to domestic violence charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and two counts of common assault.
