The Semi Trailer has trodden on a few toes.
Parramatta NRL star Semi Radradra's decision to spurn his native Fiji to represent Australia has upset officials within the international rugby league community with funding for the global game set to become a pressing issue.
After making four appearances for the Bati, Radradra on Thursday informed powerbrokers he was declaring his allegiance to the Kangaroos.
Despite being born in Suva, Radradra satisfies residency requirements after living in Australia since he was scouted by the Eels in 2012, thereby making him eligible to represent his adopted country.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga says the barnstorming winger is very much in his plans and he could make his green and gold debut in next month's Test against New Zealand in Newcastle.
While he has competition from the likes of Josh Dugan, Darius Boyd and Brett Morris for a wing spot, his form seems irresistible.
The two-time Dally M winger of the year and last year's leading try scorer has been in superlative touch over the past 18 months.
Also counting for him is that he plays on the Eels' left side next to NSW and Australian representative Michael Jennings and their combination will count greatly in Meninga's reckoning.
However it's understood his decision has gone down like a lead balloon among developing and Pacific countries with officials worried it will set a precedent and damage the global game.
Kangaroos representatives can receive up to $50,000 a game while players for minnows such as Fiji earn very little.
It is now up to the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF) and the NRL to come up with a funding model to prevent promising players defecting from smaller nations.
Even Meninga and Australian captain Cameron Smith said they had hoped Radradra would maintain his allegiance to Fiji in an effort to boost the game in the Pacific.
RLIF international development manager Tas Baitieri said Radradra's decision would have a flow-on effect and had the potential to harm international league.
"There's already a shortage of wingers and centres and they've taken him away from a country that needs him desperately," Baitieri said.
"It makes it hard - they (Fiji) are trying to put together a team to play in the Pacific Test series on May 7 and Semi was obviously a cornerstone of that team and he's been playing pretty good footy.
"Not to have him there is going to put a hole in the team's morale as well as affecting how competitive they are."
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