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Smith questions Radradra as Kangaroo

Current eligibility rules allow Parramatta winger Semi Radradra to play for Australia, but not for New South Wales.

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Source: AAP


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Australian captain Cameron Smith has welcomed the possibility of teaming up with Semi Radradra but questioned whether the Fijian should play for the Kangaroos.

Current eligibility rules mean the Parramatta star is unable to pull on a NSW jumper because he didn't live in the state before the age of 13, and isn't the son of a former State of Origin player.

However he is both allowed to, and a strong chance of, wearing the green and gold in May.

Smith said Radradra had every right to play for Australia, but had reservations about it.

"I'd love to have the bloke in my team. He makes the Kangaroos stronger," Smith said on Tuesday.

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"But if we're looking at the overall picture of international football, it'd be great for him to represent Fiji. We're trying to promote our game globally and to create strong teams around the world.

"But at the end of the day, it's Semi's choice who he wants to represent. If the rules say he can play for Australia and he wants to, then no one can stop him really, can they?"

Smith, who has played 42 Tests for Australia, admitted one undeniable factor in Radradra electing to play for Australia was the money on offer for each match.

Players are paid a reported $50,000 a game.

"When there's an opportunity to make money for your family, people most times take that opportunity," Smith said.

"As a game, we need to look at that situation and try to promote the growing nations in our game and if we can, help them out there financially."

Australia's host New Zealand in Newcastle on May 6.


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