International player eligibility is once again in the spotlight, and it’s Tainui league star, Shaun Kenny-Dowall leading the charge.
Sydney City Roosters star, Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Tainui) has spoken out and urged rugby league officials to reconsider the application of Parramatta Eels winger, Semi Radradra, who this week filed papers to play for the Australian national side.
Radradra, born in Fiji, has already played for his native Fiji earning four test appearances. However, following his recent successes in the NRL, he believes that by wearing the famous green-and-gold will he only surpass former Fijian league stars, such as Jarryd Hayne.
"Just throwing people from all over the place together, just to get the best team on the field isn't right,” says Kenny-Dowall.
Radradra, who played an integral part in the Eels inaugural NRL Nines victory earlier this year, however, has qualified to represent his adopted country by fulfilling the three-year residency requirements.
"The game has to establish some boundaries and set rules on eligibility for Origin and Australia and New Zealand," he said.
The 17 test Kiwi utility back believes Australia should not be guaranteed the luxury of selecting players from smaller Island nations to enhance the standard within their national side.
"If they want to develop the game and bring up these second-tier countries, then they need to have their best players on the field and not in the Australian and New Zealand sides."
The biggest question, however, is if Radradra’s Australian bid is successful, in what shape would that leave Fiji, and furthermore the state of international rugby league affairs at the impending Rugby League World Cup next year.
"I definitely think they need to have a look at the rules around this,” adds Kenny-Dowall.
Sports reporter, Raniera Harrison speaks candidly with Shaun Kenny-Dowall surrounding his worries for the future of international rugby league.
Te Kāea, 5:30pm tonight, only on Māori Television.