Mid-North Coast business owner Dave Norman to sponsor Parramatta Eels star Semi Radradra

But the owner of 1800 Pooman would never have thought the effects of a trip to Darwin with the team would continue long into the following year.

But that was exactly what he was faced with recently when the Eels rang and gave him the option of sponsoring one of their players.

As fate would have it, jersey number two which belongs to Fijian star Semi Radradra was still available.

“They normally give last year’s sponsor first go at renewing,” Norman said.

“And I wanted to get jersey number one or two because we largely deal with number ones and number twos.

“If I’m being honest I was only doing it for my own personal benefit to start with, but it’s only round one.

“I’ve had a lot of contact already, so it helps spread the word for us which is great.”

During that business trip to the Northern Territory nine months ago, Norman spent time with the players, including the winger.

“On last year’s trip I was fortunate enough to have dinner with Semi and it’s in the pipeline to happen again,” he said.

Norman became a Parramatta fan in the club’s golden era during the 80s when all that was on the television was the blue and gold.

The connection with the Eels has continued through his wife’s cousin who currently works at the club.

“If we make the top eight it will be a successful year and then whatever happens after that is anyone’s guess,” he said.

The keen Eels fan has been unable to convince most of his family to jump ships to support them. Now he has a bargaining tool.

“We’ve got a Rooster and a Rabbitoh, but my step son is an Eels fan,” he said.

As part of the sponsorship, Norman’s business will flash on the screen at Eels home games whenever the winger scores a try.

Not only do they gain game-day recognition, but when the club announce their team on Tuesday’s, the business will also come up on the team list video.

It’s quite a flush deal.