Parramatta and the NRL are once again at loggerheads after the Eels disregarded the governing body's advice to stand down Semi Radradra on Saturday night, opting to stick by their embattled winger in light of domestic violence charges.
Eels interim boss Ian Schubert and the head of the NRL's integrity unit Nick Weeks shared different points of view throughout several conversations surrounding the immediate future of Radradra.
While the NRL will not interfere or force the Eels to stand him down, Fairfax Media understands the code believes the winger should be stood down this weekend based on all the factors that have dominated the headlines for the past fortnight.
The NRL believes Radradra's decision not to return to training on time and the fact he has seemingly held the game to ransom with the threat of leaving to play French rugby isn't a good look for the sport.
The 24-year-old, who returned to training on Friday morning after a 12-day hiatus in Fiji, was given the option of sitting out Saturday night's clash against Cronulla.
Coach Brad Arthur, who insists his priority is the welfare of his prolific try-scorer, left the door open for Radradra not to play but the Fijian-born Australian winger was determined to take the field against the table-topping Sharks.
"I've asked Semi if he wants to sit out but he has told me he wants to play," Arthur told Fairfax Media. "I want to do what's best for Semi and I'm sticking by him."
The Eels are reluctant to abandon their winger in his hour of need and will provide him the presumption of innocence.
There is a belief at the club that standing him down will be perceived as a sign of guilt and have decided to stick by Radradra as he prepares to face court on Tuesday after former partner Perina Ting made a complaint to police about alleged domestic violence offences that occurred in 2014 and 2015.
The Eels could have stood him down based on the fact he arrived two days late to training but instead have decided to play him in what is shaping up as a grand final-like match against Cronulla.
If Parramatta manage to upset the Sharks, they will keep their slim semi final hopes alive considering they have a relatively easy draw ahead with the Roosters, Panthers Titans, Tigers and Sea Eagles over the next five weeks.
Radradra avoided the media circus when he snuck into training during Brad Arthur's press conference, and appeared in good spirits during the captain's run despite being hauled in by police when landing at Sydney airport last night.
Camera crew, journalists and photographers have been waiting at Sydney airport for the best part of a week in the hope of catching Radradra upon arrival.
Yet somehow, Radradra managed to slip in and out of Eels training largely unseen.
There was no hiding during training, though, nor did he try to shy away from the attention as his teammates embraced him during an emotional team huddle towards the end of the session.
The Eels are well in their right to hand Radradra a breach notice for returning to training later than the agreed date, but the club will allow him to get through this weekend's game before considering implementing any disciplinary measures.
Radradra's manager George Christodoulou, who hasn't made any friends at the Eels over his handling of his client's well-publicised troubles, fronted Parramatta officials on Friday to allay fears of further unrest.
Despite strong reports suggesting Radradra is heading to French rugby, the club is confident he will see out this season and the final year of his contract in 2017.
Fairfax Media understands the Eels are willing to offer Radradra a $75,000 pay rise for next season which will take his contract value to $450,000 as well as any bonuses he earns representing Australia.
However the charges against him have now created some doubt over his future, leaving Parramatta in an all too familiar position trying to put aside yet another drama at the club.
"It's been a challenge for us all year," Arthur said.
"It hasn't been easy sailing for us. But to the players' credit, and I'm proud of them and the coaching group is proud of the way they have fronted up each week and put the distractions aside and really played with plenty of pride and passion.
"We probably haven't played our best football all year and there are some areas we need to work on but the big focus for us was our defence. Any game we won this year has been on our defence."
In other news, prop Tim Mannah will be given another week on the sidelines after failing to overcome a shoulder injury in time to for the match against Cronulla played in honour of his late brother, Jon.
The Eels have also announced the signing of 33-year-old Warriors halfback Jeff Robson for the remainder of the season.
