It was the chance to play alongside Fijian hero Jarryd Hayne that drew Semi Radradra to Parramatta – now the former mine worker is enjoying a cult following of his own.

The 21-year-old has been a standout for the Eels this season, scoring 10 tries in just eight games to sit atop the NRL’s try-scoring tally.

His destructive start has also attracted interest from a host of overseas rugby clubs and secured him a spot in the centres for Fiji’s Four Nations qualifier against Samoa at Sportingbet Stadium on Saturday.

“Everyone, they love me now!” Radradra told AAP.

“It’s surprised me a lot.”

Parramatta’s a long way from home for the shy league rookie, who hails from a tiny village a day-and-a-half boat ride from Fiji’s mainland capital of Suva.

But the man known as ‘Semi Trailer’ has been buoyed by the groundswell of support from fans and players alike.

“Everyone’s started to know me and it helps me a lot on game day,” he said.

“It gives me a bit more confidence and energy.”

The ex-rugby sevens star has been lapping up the time he’s spent in camp with his fellow Fijians this week.

While he is yet to share some kava from his home farm with them – “maybe after the game” – he said everyone had been training hard for what he believed would prove to be a real test.

“It’s going to be very tough,” he said.

“(Samoa) are a really strong side, they’re big and hard.

“We’ve got to try our best to play good footy and hopefully we get a win.”

Radradra scored his maiden World Cup try for Fiji against England at last year’s tournament.

Asked whether another representative try – or three – was on the cards this Saturday, Radradra laughed: “Maybe one or two. If I get the ball I’ll try do my best to help the boys out.”