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Bennett blasts rumours yet again after link to former star

The Dolphins coach is not impressed yet again.

Published by
Scott Pryde

A fired up Wayne Bennett has blasted media reports the Dolphins are interested in Semi Radradra.

An English publication reported earlier this week that the club were looking at bringing the former Parramatta Eels' star winger back to the NRL.

He is currently playing rugby union, but has struggled with injury over the past 12 months and reports suggest his current club - the Bristol Bears - could look to cut him loose from the final year of his contract.

The Dolphins have struggled with recruitment ahead of their inaugural season, particularly in the backline.

The only names with NRL experience currently signed are Jamayne Isaako, Edrick Lee, Robert Jennings and Euan Aitken - although he has played as a forward with the Warriors over the past two years. Connelly Lemuelu is another option, but has also transitioned to the second row over the most recently completed off-season at the North Queensland Cowboys.

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The idea that Radradra could sign with the Dolphins seemed a strong fit for the club, however, Bennett has told News Corp that there has been no approach to the Fijian flier, and no discussion whatsoever.

“I don’t know where this crap comes from,” he said.

“We have not even spoken to him. To my knowledge, we have not approached him, and if we have, I would know.

“We have not spoken a single word to Radradra. I wouldn’t even know where he is playing these days.

“If someone is mentioning us being interested, it’s purely to drive up Radradra’s price.

“We need to sign some backs, but we have not had one single conversation with him.”

It comes as the Dolphins remain in the hunt to sign Ryan Matterson, who reportedly has four clubs chasing him, while the Eels are still pushing to retain the star.

The Dolphins have a total of 15 players signed, and must increase that to 24 by the first Monday in November under current NRL rules.

Published by
Scott Pryde