Manly recruit Cheyse Blair’s bitterness towards former club Parramatta may linger, but the big winger has Eels coach Brad Arthur to thank for securing him an NRL lifeline.

Arthur mentored Blair during his previous stint at Parramatta in 2012 and was working as Manly’s defence coach last season when he heard the Bilambil junior had been cut by the Eels.

It was Blair’s second axing from an NRL club, after he started off at the Sydney Roosters, and he feared his NRL career could be over aged 21.

This weekend he’ll line-up outside arguably the game’s best centre Jamie Lyon for Manly against Melbourne, as he looks to prove himself as an injury replacement for David Williams.

By the time Arthur was appointed Parramatta coach it was too late to overturn cuts made by predecessor Ricky Stuart, but Blair is still thanking him for saving his career.

“I’ve got heaps of respect for Brad Arthur,” said Blair on Friday.

“He was there the first year I was (at the Eels) and he took me under the wing a bit.

“He put the good word in here (at Manly) for me and I was spewing he left.

“This is my third club as a young player already so I’ve come here to prove something and I’ve got my opportunity first round.”

Blair says he’s found the Manly playing group much “closer” than the club culture was at the Eels, but he believes his former teammates will rise under Arthur.

“He’s a ruthless coach and doesn’t put up with any crap,” he said.

“I don’t think they’ll be last. I’m not saying they’re going to go well, it might take them a year or two but they won’t be last (for a third straight year).”

Blair says he’s been motivated by criticism that he’s too slow to be an NRL winger.

Now, 22, Blair has worked on improving his speed and his body to free his giant 192cm and 102kg frame from niggling injuries which have plagued him over the years.