Parramatta believe they can become the NRL’s next drought-breaking premiers

PARRAMATTA fans are partying like it’s 1986 following Friday’s Bronco bash up, but can the resurgent Eels continue the NRL’s drought-breaking premiership run this season?

Semi Radradra of the Eels is congratulated by team mates after scoring a try.

THE NRL’s fairytale factory is loading up on blue and gold paint.

On the back of three drought-breaking years of grand final victories, Parramatta players are daring to dream that they can join the cavalcade.

And the key to glory lies in flying Fijian Semi Radradra, who scored four tries in Thursday night’s bash-up of Brisbane.

“If Semi keeps that up in the next few weeks, anything could happen,” Tim Mannah told The Saturday Telegraph.

“He has had some good patches this year, but I think that is the kind of footy we know he can play.

“And it’s happening at the right time of the year. It was outstanding.

Eels fans believe they can follow the footsteps of the Sharks in 2016.

“When he is in those moods, he is a hard man to stop and he showed his athletic abilities.”

Now Eels fans believe they can follow in the footsteps of South Sydney, North Queensland and Cronulla and become the next inspiring grand final story.

Thankfully for Parramatta and the NRL, Radradra may not be lost to league despite signing a deal to play French rugby with Toulon next year.

The Saturday Telegraph can reveal the Fijian flyer has asked Parramatta coach Brad Arthur to leave space in the salary cap for him.

Radradra has an option for a second season in France, but Arthur privately believes the barnstorming winger could be back at the Eels within 12 months.

The prospect of big Semi returning to Parramatta is music to the ears of his teammates, who are in awe of his remarkable performance against Brisbane.

“I can’t remember an individual playing a better game than that since I’ve been playing anyway,” hooker Cameron King enthused.

“That’s a great option if he wants to come back.

“That is the sort of stuff he can do. He is a freak and hopefully he can carry that form into the finals.”

Mannah was also full of praise for Radradra, confirming he will be doing his best to convince the flyer to return to league after his rugby stint.

“We will be, but Semi has openly come out and said he loves the club and would love to come back one day,” he said.

“He has got a little bit of time to do over there, but I’m confident he will (return).”

On the back of Radradra’s explosive form, Parramatta are charging towards the finals full of confidence.

The Eels’ success comes a season after the salary cap scandal ripped the heart of the club and robbed the players a position in the finals.

It’s a remarkable transformation that can be largely credited to coach Brad Arthur, according to King.

Semi Radradra of the Eels is congratulated by team mates after scoring a try against the Broncos.

“It is hats off to Brad and his coaching staff,” he said.

“But specifically and personally what Brad went through last year to keep this group together, keep the boys positive and just worrying about footy.

“He pretty much took care of the rest and took it on his shoulders.

“It (the cap) took a toll on everyone, but he hid it well and he focused on getting the boys ready to play footy each week.

“Also since Bernie (Gurr) has come in as CEO I think he has made a big difference to the football side of things as well.

“The club is now looking good for the future.”

King believes Arthur’s four years in Melbourne under Craig Bellamy has been invaluable for Parramatta, especially during last year’s cap crisis.

Brad Arthur’s traineeship under Craig Bellamy has been invaluable for the Eels.

Arthur was an assistant coach at the Storm in 2010 when the club had its 2007 and 2009 premierships stripped for cheating the cap.

Melbourne rallied to overcome the setback and finish the season with pride, before winning the premiership (2012) two seasons later.

King believes the Eels have benefited from Arthur’s experiences at the Storm.

“I’m sure he (Brad) learnt a few good things down in Melbourne,” he said.

“I guess he has picked up certain things during his career coaching and assistant coaching and it has helped us.”