Wayne Bennett Is Chasing Former Eels Star Semi Radradra For Inaugural Dolphins Season

Former Parramatta Eels star Semi Radradra is on Wayne Bennett’s radar with the Dolphins setting their sights on the rugby union player for their inaugural season.

The former Dally M Winger of the Year played 94 times for the Eels before switching codes to Union and signing with French side Toulon in 2017.

However, according to The Rugby Paper, Bennett is hoping to secure his services for the 2023 season.

He would indicate an impressive try-scoring signing for the Dolphins if they were to pick him up, with the Fijian scoring 82 times over his five-season career in the NRL.

Currently signed to the Dolphins backline are Jamayne Isaako, Robert Jennings, Edrick Lee, Euan Aitken and Valynce Te Whare.

Radradra would heavily boost their backline options. 

In 2018 the Fijian international moved to the Bordeaux Begles, scoring 11 tries over three seasons, before then moving on to the Bristol Bears who he is currently plying his trade for. 

His contract with the Bears isn’t up until the end of the next season, however, the English side is reportedly keen to part ways with Radradra in order to stabilise their finances. 

The 29-year-old has the rare distinction of being a dual-code double international having represented Australia and Fiji in rugby league, while he also played for Fiji in the 2019 rugby union World Cup.

The Dolphins have reportedly also landed the services of Paramatta star Ryan Matterson for next season.

Matterson’s recent form has seen him included in the New South Wales State of Origin side, labelling him as one of the most pursued free agents at the end of the season.

As reported by Wide World Of Sports, it would signal the Dolphins’ first marquee signing for their debut season.

Matterson was reportedly also chased by the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Newcastle Knights, with Parramatta also interested in retaining the player. 

He will join a strong forward line made up of props Mark Nicholls and Jesse Bromwich as well as second rowers Kenneath Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi. 

The Dolphins will have until November to round up their squad, with NRL rules stating that every club must have 24 of their top 30 signed by then.

The Dolphins have currently made 15 signings to their squad.