Rugby league star Semi Radradra faces arrest for domestic violence

Semi Radradra, who plays for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL), has 48 hours to justify his no-show at a domestic violence hearing on Monday or a warrant will be issued for his arrest, per reports.

Radradra, who earlier this year pleaded not guilty to three charges of domestic violence against his former partner, failed to show up in Parramatta Local Court and therefore had his bail revoked by the magistrate.

The winger couldn't show up to the one-day hearing since he flew to his home country of Fiji last Wednesday citing a medical emergency with his father. According to a Sydney Morning Herald, magistrate Tim Keady was unhappy with Radradra's justification for fleeing the country, particularly the doctor's letter provided by the defence.

Semi Radradra faces ire of court

Magistrate Keady said Radradra was well aware of the seriousness of the matter and that the onus was on him to "satisfy the court with a satisfactory reason for his absence".

Mr. Keady said: "You understand that's (medical letter) (is) not very convincing.

"This tells me nothing other than his father suffers what appears to be a long-term illness ...There is nothing in it to indicate any reason for non-attendance. Certainly, nothing that could justify a sudden departure from Australia in the manner that occurred."

In July, Radradra pleaded not guilty to alleged attacks on Perina Ting, his former partner. Ting had alleged that the NRL star attacked her in December 2014 and May 2015.

Meanwhile, the Parramatta Eels has reiterated its support for Radradra, granting compassionate leave to the winger. "It was his (Radradra's) understanding from family, including his mother, that his father was gravely ill".

"The club understands the stress a family illness can provide and at all times we are considerate of the welfare of both Semi and his family," Bernie Gur, the team's CEO, said in a statement.

According to 9 News, Semi Radradra would face an arrest on Thursday unless he justifies his Monday no-show, besides clearing his name from alleged domestic violence charges.