Radradra to exit Eels straight after the final game of the year

Semi Radradra says he will be on the next plane out of Sydney the day after the Eels' final game of the year even if that game is the grand final and will be forced to skip end‑of‑season celebrations to immediately start his new deal in French Rugby.

The 25‑year‑old signed a two‑year deal with Toulon in January and while he has hinted a return to the NRL is on the cards in the future, he wants to honour his short‑term commitment to rugby union.

Radradra was adamant that even if the Eels featured in the 2017 NRL grand final in three weeks' time, he could not afford to stick around with the competition in France having begun a fortnight ago.

The Eels play North Queensland Cowboys at 9.40pm Saturday and the winner plays the Sydney Roosters in the preliminary final.

Meanwhile the Broncos will take on the Panthers at 9.55pm Friday and the winner will play the Melbourne Storm in the other preliminary final.