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THEY share a special and unbreakable bond through their humble islander upbringing and remarkable footballing talent.
Now, Parramatta's Polynesian powerhouses are ready to create history at ANZ Stadium on Sunday by ending the Eels' 23-year premiership drought.
As The Daily Telegraph today reveals the full extent of the explosion in the number of Polynesians playing in the NRL, the islander Eels are determined to laugh all the way to the NRL title.
Coming together this week for a bonding session, Parra's Pacific pack - who call themselves "Freshies" as in fresh off the boat- say they are one big, happy family.
Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Nathan Cayless, Joe Galuvao, Feleti Mateo and Fuifui Moimoi are the six best-known of Parramatta's 10 islanders within the club's 28-man squad.
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Equating to 35.7 per cent of the side, the Eels are second only to the New Zealand Warriors in terms of Polynesian players.
"We are a happy family. We all share a special bond," Inu said.
"We have little jokes on the side that only makes the Freshies laugh. All the Island boys are very close at Parramatta.
"Most of the time we hang together and have some fun and a feed.
"We all had similar upbringings in the Island culture. That makes us brothers.
"The way we were brought up makes us different from the others. It makes it easier to get along with them.
"It would be good to win a competition and be even more special to win it alongside my mates. If ever you need anything, those older blokes are there to rely on."
Galuvao said the Polynesians have enormous respect for each other.
"We're a tight bunch. We all have mutual respect for each other's families. We have the same principles," Galuvao said.
"It adds a dynamic to the club. We grew up the same way. Hopefully we can win the Grand Final and that will inspire other Pacific Islander kids and give them something to aspire to."
The number of Polynesians has doubled in rugby league since 1995 from an average of 3.6 players at every club to 6.9.
There were 110 players of Pacific Islands or Maori heritage in the NRL this season.
Asked how he approaches the Polynesians, Eels coach Daniel Anderson said: "I give them respect and courtesy. But I don't treat them differently to any of the other players. They are all on the same level and all part of the one squad."
The New Zealand Warriors have the most Polynesians - 15 of their 29-man squad or 51.7 per cent.
Melbourne are ranked ninth with six from 28 for 21.4 per cent.
NRL chief executive David Gallop last night recognised the Eels' "Freshies" before speaking of the increasing Polynesian influence in rugby league.
"Every fan in the game loves Fuifui Moimoi," Gallop said.
"Parramatta are an example of how the different cultures can work well together.
"The Polynesians are an increasingly important part of the game at junior and elite level.
"The World Cup gave many of them an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and go back to their NRL clubs with confidence. Jarryd Hayne's experience with Fiji is the best example of that.
"The Polynesian players have incredible natural ability
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...es-at-parramatta/story-e6frexni-1225780941979
Now, Parramatta's Polynesian powerhouses are ready to create history at ANZ Stadium on Sunday by ending the Eels' 23-year premiership drought.
As The Daily Telegraph today reveals the full extent of the explosion in the number of Polynesians playing in the NRL, the islander Eels are determined to laugh all the way to the NRL title.
Coming together this week for a bonding session, Parra's Pacific pack - who call themselves "Freshies" as in fresh off the boat- say they are one big, happy family.
Jarryd Hayne, Krisnan Inu, Nathan Cayless, Joe Galuvao, Feleti Mateo and Fuifui Moimoi are the six best-known of Parramatta's 10 islanders within the club's 28-man squad.
Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.
End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
Equating to 35.7 per cent of the side, the Eels are second only to the New Zealand Warriors in terms of Polynesian players.
"We are a happy family. We all share a special bond," Inu said.
"We have little jokes on the side that only makes the Freshies laugh. All the Island boys are very close at Parramatta.
"Most of the time we hang together and have some fun and a feed.
"We all had similar upbringings in the Island culture. That makes us brothers.
"The way we were brought up makes us different from the others. It makes it easier to get along with them.
"It would be good to win a competition and be even more special to win it alongside my mates. If ever you need anything, those older blokes are there to rely on."
Galuvao said the Polynesians have enormous respect for each other.
"We're a tight bunch. We all have mutual respect for each other's families. We have the same principles," Galuvao said.
"It adds a dynamic to the club. We grew up the same way. Hopefully we can win the Grand Final and that will inspire other Pacific Islander kids and give them something to aspire to."
The number of Polynesians has doubled in rugby league since 1995 from an average of 3.6 players at every club to 6.9.
There were 110 players of Pacific Islands or Maori heritage in the NRL this season.
Asked how he approaches the Polynesians, Eels coach Daniel Anderson said: "I give them respect and courtesy. But I don't treat them differently to any of the other players. They are all on the same level and all part of the one squad."
The New Zealand Warriors have the most Polynesians - 15 of their 29-man squad or 51.7 per cent.
Melbourne are ranked ninth with six from 28 for 21.4 per cent.
NRL chief executive David Gallop last night recognised the Eels' "Freshies" before speaking of the increasing Polynesian influence in rugby league.
"Every fan in the game loves Fuifui Moimoi," Gallop said.
"Parramatta are an example of how the different cultures can work well together.
"The Polynesians are an increasingly important part of the game at junior and elite level.
"The World Cup gave many of them an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and go back to their NRL clubs with confidence. Jarryd Hayne's experience with Fiji is the best example of that.
"The Polynesian players have incredible natural ability
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...es-at-parramatta/story-e6frexni-1225780941979
