5 Oct 2016

Sport: Fifita, Radradra miss out on Kangaroos squad

1:31 pm on 5 October 2016

The NRL's new hard-line stance on off-field issues has the backing of the game's elite players, according to Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga.

Andrew Fifita and Semi Radradra were ruled ineligible by the NRL for selection on Australia's Four Nations tour.

Sharks prop Andrew Fifita during Cronulla's 2016 NRL Grand Final win

Sharks prop Andrew Fifita during Cronulla's 2016 NRL Grand Final win Photo: Photosport

Former Tonga international Fifita, who scored the decisive try for Cronulla in Sunday's NRL Grand Final, is under investigation for supporting one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge while ex Fiji Bati star Radradra wasn't considered because of ongoing cases of domestic violence.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg said it was an indication of what players had to lose if they did not uphold the values and behaviour expected of them.

Mal Meninga said the 24 players who were selected support the decision, as does he.

"I believe in all honesty the Kangaroos jersey should be held in high esteem. I believe all the players should be great role models, not only on the field but off the field," he said.

"I spoke with the players about it in Newcastle (in the lead-up to the mid- season Test against New Zealand) and they are all of the same view."

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga, pictured here during the 2016 NRL Auckland Nines draw announcement in Auckland, Wednesday, 18 November 2015. Copyright photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga Photo: Photosport

Josh Dugan and Blake Ferguson are part of Meninga's squad for the Four Nations and Meninga said the pair were an example to troubled players of what can happen if you do turn your lives around away from football.

"There are some players there in the squad with some great stories because they have turned things around," Meninga said.

Australia's Semi Radradra takes on New Zealand's Jesse Bromwich.

Australia's Semi Radradra takes on New Zealand's Jesse Bromwich. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Kangaroos and Kiwis clash in a one-off Test in Perth next weekend.

Toa Samoa and Fiji Bati are also in action this weekend in a one-off test in Apia, the first fully sanction rugby league test to be played in the Pacific Islands.

Fiji Bati coach Mick Potter has said previously he would be open to selecting Semi Radradra if he was overlooked by Australian selectors.

AAP / RNZ